Apparatus, systems, and methods for gathering and processing biometric and biomechanical data

ABSTRACT

Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for measuring and analyzing movements of a body and for communicating information related to such body movements over a network. In certain embodiments, a system gathers biometric and biomechanical data relating to positions, orientations, and movements of various body parts of a user performed during sports activities, physical rehabilitation, or military or law enforcement activities. The biometric and biomechanical data can be communicated to a local and/or remote interface, which uses digital performance assessment tools to provide a performance evaluation to the user. The performance evaluation may include a graphical representation (e.g., a video), statistical information, and/or a comparison to another user and/or instructor. In some embodiments, the biometric and biomechanical data is communicated wirelessly to one or more devices including a processor, display, and/or data storage medium for further analysis, archiving, and data mining. In some embodiments, the device includes a cellular telephone.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/369,686 filed Feb. 9, 2012, issuing on Sep. 2, 2014 as U.S. Pat. No.8,821,305 titled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR GATHERING ANDPROCESSING BIOMETRIC AND BIOMECHANICAL DATA”, which is a continuation ofU.S. application Ser. No. 12/697,127 filed Jan. 29, 2010 titled“APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR GATHERING AND PROCESSING BIOMETRICAND BIOMECHANICAL DATA”, which is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/488,491, filed Jun. 19, 2009, titled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR GATHERING AND PROCESSING BIOMETRIC AND BIOMECHANICAL DATA”,which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/601,438, filedNov. 17, 2006, and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,602,301, titled“APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR GATHERING AND PROCESSING BIOMETRICAND BIOMECHANICAL DATA”, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) toeach of the following provisional patent applications: U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/757,915, filed Jan. 9, 2006, titled“APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GATHERING AND PROCESSING BIOMETRICDATA”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/765,382, filed Feb. 3,2006, titled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GATHERING ANDPROCESSING BIOMETRIC DATA”; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/772,612, filed Feb. 10, 2006, titled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODSFOR GATHERING AND PROCESSING BIOMETRIC DATA”; U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/781,612, filed Mar. 10, 2006, titled “APPARATUS,SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GATHERING AND PROCESSING BIOMETRIC DATA”; andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/794,268, filed Apr. 21, 2006,titled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR GATHERING AND PROCESSINGBIOMETRIC AND BIOMECHANICAL DATA”. The entirety of each of theabove-listed documents is hereby incorporated by reference herein, andeach is hereby made a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods formeasuring and analyzing movements of a body and for communicatinginformation related to such body movements over a network.

Description of the Related Art

Participants in sports, athletics, and recreational activities oftendesire to measure their progress relative to their earlier performanceor to a performance benchmark such as a famous athlete. Coaches andtrainers may desire to monitor the performance of a player or a team asa whole. Medical patients who have suffered an injury that restrictsmovement of a limb or joint may desire to track their improvement duringrehabilitation, and an attending health care provider may desire anobject measurement of the improvement.

Sensors can be attached to portions of the body to measure bodymovements. Data from the sensors can be analyzed to determinecharacteristics of the body movement (e.g., a range of motion). In somecases, the player or the patient is at one location where he or sheperforms movements measured by the sensors, while the coach or healthcare provider is at another location distant from the player or patient.In such cases, it may be inconvenient or difficult to communicate sensormeasurements to the coach or healthcare provider resulting in delays incoaching instruction or diagnosis. The present disclosure addresses thisand other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various non-limiting embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods forgathering and processing biometric and biomechanical data are disclosedherein. An embodiment of a body movement sensor system comprises atleast two sensors associated with an appendage of a user and atransceiver configured to accompany the user during a sports activity.The transceiver is further configured to communicate with the sensorsand transmit data received from the sensors. The system also comprises afirst processor that is configured to remotely receive the data from thesensors and process the data. The first processor has an interface toillustrate characteristics of the user's performance in real time. Thesystem also comprises a second processor configured to receive and storethe data for research or archival purposes.

In an embodiment of the body movement sensor system, at least one of thesensors comprises a three-axis sensor. For example, the three-axissensor can comprise a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axismagnetometer, and/or a three-axis gyroscopic detector. In someembodiments, at least one of the sensors is substantially waterresistant.

In some embodiments of the body movement sensor system, at least one ofthe sensors is associated with an appendage of a user using a hook andloop material. In certain embodiments of the system, least one of thesensors is associated with an appendage of a user by being attached to agarment. In certain such embodiments, the garment is configured not tosubstantially interfere with movements of the user during the sportsactivity. Also, in certain such embodiments, the garment is configuredto substantially conform to the appendage of the user.

In various embodiments of the body movement sensor system, the sensorsare configured to substantially maintain their orientation and positionrelative to the appendage during the sports activity. In certainembodiments of the body movement sensor system, the appendage comprisesa portion of an arm and/or a leg.

In certain embodiments of the body movement sensor system, thetransceiver is further configured to communicate with the sensorsthrough wires. In other embodiments, the transceiver is furtherconfigured to communicate with the sensors wirelessly. In an embodimentof the body movement sensor system, the system further comprises atleast four sensors, two of which are associated with a leg and twoothers of which are associated with an arm of a user.

In certain embodiments of the body movement sensor system, the firstprocessor is disposed in a cellular telephone. In certain suchembodiments, the first processor comprises the cellular telephone. Insome embodiments of the body movement sensor system, the secondprocessor is configured to store received data in a short-term datastorage device and to transfer at least some of the received data fromthe short-term data storage device to a long-term data storage devicefor the archival purposes. In certain such embodiments, the secondprocessor is configured to transfer at least some of the received dataafter the data has been stored in the short-term data storage device fora threshold time. In some embodiments of the system, the data isorganized for efficient communication over a wireless channel.

In some embodiments of the system, the research purposes compriseextracting implicit, previously unknown, and potentially usefulinformation. In certain embodiments of the system, the research purposescomprise medical research related to body movements.

An embodiment of a measurement system is disclosed. The measurementsystem comprises at least one sensor configured to associate with a bodyportion and output data relating to the body portion. The system alsocomprises a first processor configured to receive and process the data,a second processor configured to receive and process the data, and atransceiver configured to communicate with the sensor and communicatewirelessly with the first processor and the second processor. The datais organized for efficient communication over a wireless channel.

In some embodiments of the measurement system, the data comprises aplurality of packets having an ID header and a packet length. In somesuch embodiments, the packet length is selected to efficiently utilize abandwidth of the wireless channel. In one embodiment, the packet lengthis about 1 second.

Another embodiment of a measurement system is disclosed. In thisembodiment, the measurement system comprises at least one sensorconfigured to associate with a body portion and output data relating tothe body portion. This system also includes a first processor configuredto receive and process the data, a second processor configured toreceive and process the data, and a transceiver configured tocommunicate with the sensor and communicate wirelessly with the firstprocessor and the second processor. In this embodiment, the at least onesensor is configured to operate at a sample rate that is adjustable.

In some embodiments of this measurement system, the sample rate isadjusted by the transceiver, the first processor, or the secondprocessor. In another embodiment of the system, the sample rate may beadjusted by a user. In certain embodiments of the system, the samplerate is in a range from about 1 Hz to about 10 kHz. In some embodiments,the sample rate is about 2 kHz. In various embodiments of themeasurement system, the sample rate can correspond to a Nyquist samplerate for motion of the body part to which the sensor is associated. Incertain embodiments, at least one of the first processor and the secondprocessor comprises a cellular telephone.

A further embodiment of a measurement system is disclosed herein. Thismeasurement system comprises at least one sensor configured to associatewith a body portion and to output data relating to the body portion. Thesystem also includes a first processor configured to receive and processthe data, a second processor configured to receive and process the data,and a transceiver configured to communicate with the sensor andcommunicate wirelessly with the first processor and the secondprocessor. The data is stored by a storage system.

In some embodiments of this measurement system, the system furthercomprises a third processor configured to search the data stored in thestorage system. In some of these embodiments, the third processor isconfigured to extract from the data stored in the storage systemimplicit, previously unknown, and potentially useful information. Incertain embodiments of the measurement system, the storage systemcomprises a short-term storage system configured to store data having anage less than a threshold, and a long-term storage system configured tostore data having an age greater than the threshold.

An embodiment of a body movement monitoring system comprises bodymovement sensors configured to sense and transmit data relating to atleast one of position, orientation, velocity, or acceleration of thesensor. The system also comprises a master control unit configured toreceive information from the sensors and transmit that informationwirelessly and a storage medium having reference information forcomparison to the sensor information. The system also includes a firstprocessor configured to analyze the sensor information, compare it toreference information, and generate visual images related to the sensorinformation. The system also includes a display device allowing the userto view the visual images during or shortly after the body movementshave been made and a storage medium for retaining the sensor informationfor later comparison.

In some embodiments of this body movement monitoring system, at leastone of the body movement sensors comprises an accelerometer, amagnetometer, or a gyroscopic sensor. In certain embodiments of thesystem, at least one of the body movement sensors is configured to besubstantially water resistant. In certain embodiments of the bodymovement monitoring system, the first processor comprises a cellulartelephone having a graphics display and the display device comprises thegraphics display.

An embodiment of a golfer alignment system is disclosed. The systemcomprises a first sensor associated with the head of a user, a secondsensor associated with the upper torso of the user, and a third sensorassociated with the lower torso of the user. The system further includesa portable master control unit configured to be worn or carried by theuser and a remote processor having a user interface and a wirelessreceiver. The master control unit is configured to receive data from atleast two sensors, and the remote processor is configured to communicatewirelessly with the portable master control unit and provide informationrelated to at least one of the user's stance, alignment, or swing to theuser in real time.

In some embodiments, the golfer alignment system further comprises atleast one foot sensor. In certain embodiments of the system, the userinterface of the remote processor comprises a stance-width indicatorthat can display information relating to data received from any footsensors, and the information relates to the distance between the user'sfeet. In other embodiments, the user interface of the remote processorcomprises a at least one foot alignment indicator that can displayinformation relating to data received from any foot sensors, and theinformation relates to the alignment of the user's feet. In some ofthese embodiments, the user interface further comprises a visiblereference line for use in aligning the user interface with the golftarget line. In certain embodiments of the system, the user interface ofthe remote processor further comprises a human form representationhaving indicators showing the user any stance changes needed and whichportion of the body the stance change should affect.

In an embodiment of the golfer alignment system, the indicators compriselight-emitting diodes. In certain embodiments of the system, the remoteprocessor comprises a cellular telephone. In some embodiments, at leastone of the first, second, and third sensors is configured to beassociated with a garment worn by the user. In some of theseembodiments, at least one of the first, second, and third sensors isconfigured to be associated with the garment by a hook-and-loopfastener. For some embodiments, at least one of the first, second, andthird sensors is configured to be associated with the garment by beingdisposed in a sensor cavity in the garment. In certain of theseembodiments, at least one of the first, second, and third sensors andthe sensor cavity are shaped or sized to resist relative movementtherebetween.

Also disclosed herein is a method of evaluating a golfer's form. Themethod comprises associating a plurality of sensors with portions of agolfer's body and associating a master control with the golfer. Themaster control unit is configured to receive data from the plurality ofsensors. The method includes calibrating the plurality of sensors andthe master control unit to provide a calibration position. In thismethod, the golfer assumes a golfing stance with respect to a targetline and data from the plurality of sensors is analyzed to evaluate thegolfer's form.

In certain embodiments of the method of evaluating a golfer's form, theaction of associating a plurality of sensors with portions of a golfer'sbody comprises associating a first sensor with the head of the golfer,associating a second sensor with the upper torso of the golfer andassociating a third sensor with the lower torso of the golfer. In someembodiments of the disclosed method, the action of associating a mastercontrol unit with the golfer comprises attaching the master control unitto a portion of the golfer's clothes.

In some embodiments of the method of evaluating a golfer's form, theaction of calibrating the plurality of sensors comprises assuming thecalibration position (by the golfer) and communicating informationrelated to the calibration position to the master control unit. In someof these embodiments, the calibration position comprises a balanced,erect position of the golfer. In another embodiment, the golfer's actionof assuming the calibration position comprises standing such that thegolfer's left and right shoulders are each located distances away fromthe ground that are substantially the same and standing such that thegolfer's left and right hips are each located distances away from theground that are substantially the same.

In various embodiments of the method, the golfer's form comprises thegolfer's stance, alignment, or swing. In some of these embodiments, theaction of analyzing data from the plurality of sensors comprises atleast one of determining a width of the golfer's stance, an alignment ofregions of the golfer's body, and a lean in an address position of thegolfer. In certain of these embodiments, the regions of the golfer'sbody include the golfer's head, feet, hips, or shoulders.

Embodiments of the method of evaluating a golfer's form further comprisealigning an interface box with the target line. The interface box isconfigured to communicate with the master control unit so as to providevisual or audible information to the golfer. In some of theseembodiments, the visual or audible information relates to the golfer'sstance, alignment, or swing. In certain embodiments, the visualinformation comprises activating a light-emitting diode. The audibleinformation comprises activating a sound-emitting device in someembodiments. The method of evaluating a golfer's form may furthercomprise performing a golf swing (by the golfer) and activating a rhythmindicator in response to the golf swing.

Embodiments of a system for evaluating a body movement are disclosed,wherein the system comprises a first sensor associated with a first bodyportion of a user, a second sensor associated with a second body portionof the user, and a third sensor associated with a third body portion ofthe user. The system further comprises a portable master control unitconfigured to be worn or carried by the user. The master control unit isconfigured to receive data from the first, the second, and the thirdsensors. The system also includes a remote processor having a userinterface and a wireless receiver. The remote processor is configured to(i) wirelessly receive body movement information from the portablemaster control unit, (ii) calculate a performance evaluation based atleast in part on the body movement information, and (iii) provide viathe user interface information relating to the performance evaluation.In certain embodiments, the remote processor comprises a cellulartelephone. In certain such embodiments, the user interface comprises adisplay of the cellular telephone.

The present disclosure describes a mouthpiece for receiving aradio-frequency (RF) signal and communicating a message included in thesignal to a wearer of the mouthpiece. In certain embodiments, themouthpiece comprises a retainer configured to fit over teeth in themouth of the wearer, an antenna configured to receive an RF signal thatincludes a message, and a processor that is in communication with theantenna and that is configured to determine the message from thereceived RF signal. The mouthpiece further includes a modulator that isconfigured to receive from the processor a signal indicative of themessage and, in response to the signal, to provide a sensory effect inthe wearer's mouth that is perceivable by the wearer. The sensory effectis capable of communicating the message to the wearer. In variousembodiments of the mouthpiece, the retainer is configured to fit overthe lower teeth of the wearer or is configured to fit over the upperteeth of the wearer.

In some applications, the RF signal comprises an RF carrier and amodulated sub-carrier that includes the message. In certain embodimentsof the mouthpiece, the processor comprises a signal discriminatorcapable of decoding the RF signal. In certain such embodiments, thedecoded RF signal comprises a sequence of bits.

Embodiments of the mouthpiece may be configured such that the modulatoris a vibrator, and the sensory effect causes a tactile stimulus to aportion of the wearer's mouth. For example, in an embodiment, thetactile stimulus is a vibration. In another embodiment of themouthpiece, the modulator is a vibrator, and the sensory effect causesan auditory stimulus capable of being perceived in the wearer's ear. Forexample, the auditory stimulus may comprise a frequency of about 1000Hz.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece further comprises a power source. Insome of these embodiments, the power source comprises a supercapacitor.In an embodiment, the power source is disposed within the wearer'smouth. In another embodiment, the power source is capable of beingcharged by a portion of the received RF signal.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a method of communication between atleast two users. In an embodiment, the method comprises associating asensor with a first portion of a first user's body and detecting a bodyposition or a body movement of the first portion of the first user'sbody with the sensor. The sensor is configured to provide a messagerelated to the body position or the body movement to a radio frequency(RF) transmission unit. The method further includes communicating, withthe RF transmission unit, an RF signal that includes the message, andassociating a signaling device with a second portion of a second user'sbody. The signaling device comprises an RF receiver and a modulatorconfigured to provide a physical stimulus to the second portion of thesecond user's body. Additionally, the method includes receiving, withthe RF receiver, the RF signal transmitted by the RF transmission unit,and in response to the RF signal, activating the modulator to provide aphysical stimulus to the second user that is capable of conveying themessage to the second user.

In various implementations of the method of communication, the RF signalcomprises an RF carrier and a sub-carrier that includes the message. Inother implementations, the message comprises a brevity-code or aMorse-code. In some embodiments of the method, the message is encrypted,and the signaling device is configured to decrypt the message beforeactivating the modulator.

In certain embodiments of the method of communication, the secondportion of the user's body includes the second user's mouth, and thesignaling device is sized and shaped to be disposed at least partiallyin the second user's mouth. In some embodiments of the method, thephysical stimulus includes a vibration. For example, the vibration cancomprise a frequency capable of being perceived in an inner ear of thesecond user. In one embodiment, the frequency is about 1000 Hz. Incertain embodiments of the method of communication between at least twousers, the signaling device comprises an embodiment of theabove-described mouthpiece for receiving a radio-frequency (RF) signal.

An embodiment of a method for providing biometric-enabled devices to aconsumer comprises forming a consortium comprising members andestablishing, by the consortium, a biometric data protocol. The methodfurther comprises providing to the consumer a biometric-enabled devicethat conforms to the biometric data protocol. The members of theconsortium include at least a biometric data provider and a devicemanufacturer. In certain embodiments of this method, the members of theconsortium further comprise a telephone carrier.

In some embodiments of this method, the biometric-enabled devicecomprises a telephone. For example, the telephone may comprise awireless telephone. The wireless telephone may be disposable.

In certain embodiments of the method for providing biometric-enableddevices to a consumer, the biometric data protocol comprises a set ofstandards for communicating biometric data over a communicationschannel. In certain such embodiments, the biometric data comprisesinformation related to the position, velocity, or acceleration of one ormore portions of a body. In some of these embodiments, the informationis produced by at least one sensor attached to the body.

Certain embodiments of the disclosure are summarized above. However,despite the foregoing description of certain embodiments, only theappended claims (and not the present summary) are intended to define theinventions. The summarized embodiments, and other embodiments andequivalents, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the following detailed description of preferred embodiments havingreference to the attached drawings. However, it is to be understood thatthe inventions disclosed herein are not limited to any particularembodiments described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system for gathering and processingbiometric and/or biomechanical data that may be used in applicationsincluding athletics, medicine, and gaming.

FIG. 1A schematically illustrates an embodiment of a system inaccordance with the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B schematically illustrates another embodiment of a system inaccordance with the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment ofsensors and a master control unit (MCU).

FIG. 2A schematically illustrates how sensors can attach to a portion ofa garment, such as a sleeve.

FIGS. 2B and 2C are closeup views of two embodiments of a wire channeland a sensor cavity in the garment of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a closeup view of a sensor cavity that can attach a wirelesssensor to a garment.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a close-up view of one embodiment of aninterface box.

FIG. 4A is a flowchart that illustrates measurement of physical data byan embodiment of the system.

FIG. 4B is a flowchart that illustrates transfer of data from the MCU toa personal computer for storage and/or data analysis.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram that schematically illustrates subcomponentsof an MCU and schematically illustrates connections along which dataand/or signals can travel between those subcomponents.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram that schematically illustrates subcomponentsof a gate array.

FIG. 5C is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a process that canbe performed by the gate array.

FIG. 5D is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an embodimentof a wireless sensor.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart that illustrates one method of determining whethera person's golf stance, alignment, and/or swing meets certain criteria.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart that illustrates a process by which a person canuse the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B to evaluate his or her golf swing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart that illustrates a method for using the disclosedsystem on a computer or web-based application.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an example system for data collectionand/or storage.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a data engine process.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an example of offline and onlineregistration options.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart that illustrates a process by which a user canexchange data and obtain an analysis or consultation from a networkbased application.

FIG. 13A schematically illustrates an example client/server system thatprovides communication between a user and a host server through anetwork.

FIG. 13B is a unified modeling language (UML) diagram schematicallyillustrating an abstract model of a software architecture that may beused to implement the client/server system of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates wireless communications in a systemaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates various examples of systems accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an embodimentof a system and process for providing a biometric and biomedical dataservices protocol.

FIG. 17A is a top-view that schematically illustrates a signaling devicethat can be placed in a user's mouth.

FIG. 17B schematically illustrates an embodiment of a circuit that canbe used with the signaling device illustrated in FIG. 17A.

Reference symbols are used in the figures to indicate certaincomponents, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbolscommon to more than one figure indicating like components, aspects orfeatures shown therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Overview

Systems and methods described herein can be used to gather data relatingto positions and movements of various body parts, such as thosemovements performed in sports activities, for example. The data can beconveyed rapidly so that a user can perceive the data (e.g., in the formof a graphic representation, histogram, and/or listing of numericalparameters) and evaluate the movement. In some advantageous embodiments,the data is conveyed wirelessly to reduce restriction of the movementsof the body parts. In some embodiments, a device embodying some aspectsof the described technology can be referred to as the “BodySensor” (orBS). A BodySensor can be a remote device that senses body motion and/orsymmetry.

Some embodiments disclosed herein can help prevent injury and improveathletic performance by enhancing confidence and providing diagnosticoptions and services to athletic participants. Some embodiments seek tofoster the enjoyment of sports by beginners, amateurs and professionalathletes. Embodiments disclosed herein can be used by consumers invarious sports, industries, and market segments. Examples of suitablesports include, without limitation, golf, tennis, baseball, softball,football, soccer, track and field, running, jogging, walking, swimming,cycling, skateboarding, aerobics, yoga, weightlifting, bowling,volleyball, gymnastics, skiing, snowboarding. Indeed, the systems andmethods described herein can be used in conjunction with any form ofbody movement, athletics, exercise, and/or recreation whether performedsolo or in groups or teams. The described technology and services areextendable across all sports platforms and into other areas such asmedical devices, orthopedic medicine, military activities, lawenforcement activities, aviation, space travel, and gaming.

In some embodiments, a user can attempt to evaluate body movement data(e.g., an athletic performance) using a remote interface that can usedigital performance assessment tools. In some embodiments, theperformance assessment and other data analysis can be accomplishedwhenever, wherever, and however an athlete, coach, or trainer wants it.Thus, in some embodiments, the described technology can provide acompetitive edge to athletes, helping athletes perform better and/orreduce the possibility of injury. A preferred embodiment can be used totrack measurable aspects of the athlete's physiology and document theperformance fingerprint at intervals (e.g., at programmable intervalssuch as once every millisecond) during the athlete's performance. Thus,embodiments of this technology can measure various flex, bend, twist,torque, and/or symmetry of key body areas that are relevant to varioussport, therapy, industry, military, gaming, and/or professionalapplications, for example.

In some embodiments, systems and methods are described that allow foruse of data gathered through such a system. The data from multiple userscan be gathered and used for research, medical diagnosis, establishmentof norms, averages, baselines, aberrations, standards for athleticrecruiting, calibrations, etc. Creation of a database of body movementdata can be advantageous for these and various purposes. Thus, someembodiments can capture training and/or performance data that can beused to develop revenue through the lifetime of the customer and/or theproduct. This development of revenue can be referred to as “lifetimevalue,” or “LTV”. Revenue can be created by marketing, selling, and/orlicensing the data, Firmware, software, and/or hardware through datacollection services (Research), data measurement services (Consulting),performance enhancement services (Training) (e.g., for athletes). Thetechnology can generate a performance “fingerprint” of an athlete'sperformance (including, e.g., the athlete's recorded movements,mechanics, techniques, physical properties, etc.) which can be relatedto the athlete's skill, physical characteristics, and/or talent.

A. Example Systems for Gathering and Processing Biometric Data

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 110 for gathering and processing biometricand/or biomechanical data that can be useful in many domains, includingbut not limited to athletics, medicine, and gaming. A subject 120 canhave various sensors 130 positioned on his or her body and/or attachedto (e.g., with snaps, hook and loop fasteners, etc.) or positionedwithin (e.g., inserted into a pocket of, woven into, etc.) his or herclothing. The sensors can be associated with joints and/or appendages ofthe body in order to track position and or movement of those jointsand/or appendages. In some embodiments, the sensors can be located inthe mouth of a user in order to sense movement and/or relative positionof the teeth or the tongue, for example.

The sensors 130 can connect to and/or communicate with a transceiver140. In some embodiments, the transceiver can be attached to the bodyand/or clothing (e.g., the belt) of the subject 120. The transceiver canhave a data holder 142. In some embodiments, the data holder 142 is aportable memory device that can be removed such as a flash drive or datacard or memory stick or floppy disk, for example.

The sensors 130 can gather data relating to various physicalcharacteristics, positions, changes, performance, or properties of thesubject. This data can be referred to as “biometric” data. Biometricdata includes biomedical and biomechanical data, and can include any ofthe following: data tracing the trajectory, speed, acceleration,position, orientation, etc. of a subject's appendage or other body part;data showing the heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, stress level,moisture content, toxin level, viability, respiration rate, etc. of asubject; data showing whether or not a subject is performing a signal orcommunication movement (e.g., teeth closed, arm cocked, etc.); datashowing the posture or other status of a subject (e.g., prone or erect,breathing or not, moving or not); data showing the emotional state of asubject; etc. For example, the sensors can track movement of the subjectand/or tension in the subject's muscles. In some embodiments, thesensors 130 can include one or more of the following technologies:accelerometer technology that detects accelerations; gyroscopetechnology that detects changes in orientation; compass or magnetictechnology that senses position and/or alignment with relation tomagnetic fields; satellite-based, “GPS”-style technology;radio-frequency technology; etc. More details relating to sensors thatcan be used with this system are discussed below in the text describingFIG. 2.

The transceiver 140 can collect and store data (e.g., analog and/ordigital data) from the sensors 130. In some preferred embodiments, thedata is converted from analog to digital in the sensors or thetransceiver to facilitate storage and/or transmittance. In someembodiments, the data is sequenced, coded, and or separated to make thereception, storage, and/or transmission more efficient. In someembodiments, the transceiver 140 can be a cell phone, personal digitalassistant (PDA), pocket PC, or other portable communications and/orcomputing device. The cell phone in some embodiments is a disposablecell phone or a prepaid cell phone. In some embodiments, the transceiver140 can send signals to and/or receive signals from a portablecommunications device such as those mentioned here, for example.

As illustrated with the arrow 112, the transceiver 140 can transmit datato a first processor 150. The data can be transmitted in electronic orelectromagnetic form, for example. In some embodiments, the data istransmitted wirelessly (using radio frequency transmissions, forexample). Various communications protocols can be used, including, forexample, Bluetooth, TCP/IP, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11e, etc.).In certain embodiments, the transceiver 140 transmits the data over theinternet or over a wired or wireless network.

The first processor 150 can be one of or a combination of devices orcomponents, such as those illustrated in FIG. 11. The first processor150 can be a computer and/or remote server such as a laptop computer orcomputer chip/ASIC, for example. The first processor 150 can beconfigured to receive signals from the transceiver 140 and can havesoftware that allows a first user 152 to view or otherwise use the data.In some embodiments, the first processor 150 can be a cell phone,personal digital assistant (PDA), pocket PC, or other portablecommunications and/or computing device. In some embodiments, thefunctions described for the transceiver 140 and the first processor 150can be merged into a single device. Thus, a portable communicationsdevice can be configured to: collect data from the sensors 130; storedata (e.g., on a memory card in the portable communications device);and/or transmit data (and/or a processed form of that data). In someadvantageous embodiments, data transmission is accomplished wirelesslyto a second processor 160 as described further below.

The first user 152 can be the same entity as the subject 120, forexample. Thus, in some embodiments, the subject 120 can gatherphysiological and/or biometric data using the sensors 130, send thatdata to the transceiver 140 which in turn transmits the data to thefirst processor 150, which can be the subject's laptop, for example. Thesubject can then become the first user 152, accessing the data from thefirst processor as shown by the arrow 114. The first user 152 can viewthe data in various formats, some of which may involve some automatedprocessing. For example, the user can view three-dimensional animations(e.g., those created using interpolation), histograms, or othergraphical reports. In certain preferred embodiments, the data collectedby the sensors permit the user to view an animation of the user's ownmovements as reconstructed from the biomechanical data collected by thesensors. Additionally, in some embodiments, the user can view animationsof another person's movements reconstructed from biomechanical datacollected on the other person's movements. For example, in anembodiment, the user can view his or her own performance and then viewthe performance of a friend, coach, competitor, instructor, trainer, orprofessional. The first user 152 can be an athlete, patient, coach,doctor, physical therapist, data analyst, etc., and need not be the sameentity as the subject 120.

The data (or a modified/processed form thereof) can be sent from thefirst processor 150 to a second processor 160 (e.g., via a wired orwireless network or the internet, for example). In some embodiments, thesecond processor 160 can perform the functions described above withrespect to the first processor 150. In some embodiments, the secondprocessor 160 can perform additional analysis or processing.Furthermore, as shown by the arrow 115, the second processor 160 canmake the data available to a second user 162. The second user 162 can bethe subject 120 and/or the first user 152, but the second user 162 canalso be a different entity such as a specialist, statistician, analyst,doctor, or coach, for example. In some embodiments, the second user 162can communicate or interact with the first user 152 as shown using thearrow 116. Thus, a second user 162 such as a coach can have access tothe same data being viewed by the first user 152 and/or subject 120 suchas an athlete. The second user 162 can then interpret and explain thedata to the subject 120, request more data, use automated analysismethods (e.g., using the second processor 160) to extract diagnosticinformation from the data, speak or send further information to thefirst user 152, etc. In this way, the second user 162 can provide a“virtual assessment” to the first user of the first user's movements(e.g., golf swing, baseball pitch, running stride, swimming stroke,rehabilitative movement, etc.).

Additional users and additional processors can be used. For example, athird user can comprise an institution that collects data from multiplesubjects or multiple users and processes that data to find patterns orestablish norms, for example. In some embodiments, the system cancomprise sports training monitoring equipment that allows an athleteand/or trainer to monitor an individual training program and to comparean exercise program to a previously stored reference workout or otherbench-mark. An athletic trainer can monitor an athlete workout in realtime by monitoring sensor data captured and wirelessly transmitted tothe trainer display system. As used herein, the term “real time” is usedbroadly to mean that the data is not available hours later, but isinstead available within less than one hour. Preferably, the monitoringand some analysis can be done within a matter of minutes.Advantageously, high-speed data transfer can allow monitoring to occurwithin a short time (e.g., less than 5 minutes) of the body movement. Insome preferred embodiments, monitoring can occur within less than oneminute of the body movement. Preferably, all data is stored so thatanalysis of that data can be compared to other athletes and enhance thetraining programs.

B. Example BodySensor Systems

FIG. 1A shows an exemplary embodiment of a system 111 in accordance withthe description of FIG. 1 above. The illustrated system can be termed a“BodySensor” system. The system 111 can be used by a golfer 121 (anexample of a subject 120 of FIG. 1) to assist the golfer 121 inimproving his golf game. The golfer 121 can attach various sensors 131to his body or clothing as shown (see also the garment 200 describedwith reference to FIGS. 2A-2D). Sensors can also be woven into thefabric of the clothing. In some embodiments, sensor can be incorporatedinto an undergarment so they are less noticeable and/or cumbersome andconform more closely to the user's body. In some embodiments, sensorscan be embedded in the skin of a user. The sensors 131 can gather datarelating to the golfer's form, balance, stance, posture, position, speedand shape of swing, etc. The sensors 131 can then send data to a mastercontrol unit, or “MCU” 141 (an example of a transceiver 140 of FIG. 1).A detail of an embodiment of the MCU 141 and some sensors 131 isprovided in FIG. 2.

The MCU 141 can have a clip 145 on the back for attaching to a belt, forexample. The clip 145 can rotate in order to allow the MCU 141 to beoriented in various ways, according to the need or whim of the golfer121. The MCU 141 can in turn transmit data wirelessly (as shown bywavefronts 113) to a laptop computer 151 (which is an example of adevice that can act as the first processor 150 of FIG. 1). In someembodiments, the MCU 141 can transmit data wirelessly via the World WideWeb through a built-in Web server chip contained in the MCU.Alternatively, the MCU 141 can store data on an SD card 143 for latertransfer to a processor. In some embodiments, the MCU 141 can be a cellphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), pocket pc, or other portablecommunications and/or computing device. For example, an additional chipand/or memory card can be inserted into a cell phone to make the cellphone compatible with a system such as that described herein. Othercomponent options and combinations are illustrated in FIG. 11.

When the data is on the laptop computer 151, a user (such as the golfer121) can use software on the laptop computer 151 to analyze the data andprovide, for example, a “performance evaluation” with graphs, numbers,graphical depictions, charts, histograms, etc. The performanceevaluation can include statistical analyses that, for example, determinethe user's average performance level and the user's deviations from thisaverage. Statistical techniques can be used to compare the user'sperformance level with other suitable cohorts defined by demographics,geography, performance level, etc. For example, a golfer's performanceevaluation may compare the golfer's performance level with other golferswith the same gender, age, geographic location, etc. or with amateur orprofessional golfers. Statistical analyses may enable a coach to trackthe performance of a particular player on a team as compared to otherteam members, selected past teams, competitor teams, professional teams,etc. The data relating to a particular performance by the user (e.g.,the golfer) can be referred to as a “performance fingerprint,” and canhave unique characteristics. The performance fingerprint can be sentfrom the laptop computer 151 to another computer such as a desktopcomputer 161 (an example of the second processor 160 of FIG. 1). Thisdata transmission can occur via the World Wide Web, including through awireless connection, for example. In some embodiments, a cell phone,personal digital assistant (PDA), pocket PC, or other portablecommunications and/or computing device can supplement or be substitutedfor the laptop computer 151 described herein. For example, a cell phone,PDA, etc. can upload data to the World Wide Web, and that data (in rawor processed form) can also be accessed from the cell phone, PDA, etc.In some embodiments, a user's data can be sent to a “learning center”via the World Wide Web, and then that same user can thereafter accesscharts, histograms, etc. that are visible on that user's cell phone,PDA, etc. that provide insight to the user relating to the data and/orthe user's performance.

In some embodiments, the data can be viewed and/or analyzed by a thirdparty. The desktop computer 161 can be located at a centralized dataprocessing location where a golf coach, or physical therapist forexample, can look at the data and assist the golfer 121 in understandingthe performance fingerprint. The desktop and/or second user can providea “remote performance evaluation” to the golfer 121. The data from thegolfer's performance can also be stored in raw and/or processed form forlater analysis and comparison.

FIG. 1B shows another embodiment of a system 109 in accordance with thedescription of FIG. 1 above. In this embodiment, a golfer 121 wears anMCU 141 on his belt, and the MCU 141 transmits data to an interface box153. The interface box 153 is an example of the first processor 150 ofFIG. 1, and the golfer 121 in this example is both the subject 120 andthe first user 152 described with reference to FIG. 1. In this example,the golfer 121 can interface directly with the interface box 153. Thus,in some embodiments, the second processor 160 depicted in FIG. 1 may beoptional. For example, a simple, inexpensive system can omit the secondprocessor. In some embodiments, the MCU 141 transmits data to theinterface box, which can provide visual or audible feedback to thegolfer 121. The feedback can relate to desirable adjustments in stance,form, body position, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the system 109 employs three body-mountedtilt sensors: a head sensor 132 mounted to the back side of the head ofthe golfer 121 (e.g., attached or fastened to a hat); a shoulder sensor134 mounted in the center of the back at shoulder level (e.g., fastenedto a shirt under a collar); and a hip sensor mounted on the lower backabove the hips (e.g., located in the MCU, which can be attached to abelt above the hips). Each of these sensors can be placed into pocketsor compartments of the golfer's clothing, or woven or sewn into thegolfer's clothing, for example. Each tilt sensor can comprise anaccelerometer and can detect and indicate the tilt or deviation of thebody away from vertical. For example, the head sensor 132 can indicatethe vertical angle (tilt of the head side-to-side—generally in themidsagittal plane) and the horizontal angle (tilt of the head forward orback—generally in the frontal plane) of the head. The shoulder sensor134 can detect and indicate the shoulder angle (whether the shouldersare tilted side-to-side—generally in the frontal plane—such that a linetaken between two analogous portions of the two shoulders is notparallel to the ground) and the vertical angle of the upper spine (tiltof the upper spine forward or back—generally in the midsagittal plane).The hip sensor can indicate the hip angle (whether the hips are tiltedside-to-side—generally in the frontal plane—such that a line takenbetween two analogous portions of the two hips is not parallel to theground) and the vertical angle of the lower spine (tilt of the lowerspine forward or back—generally in the midsagittal plane).

The system 109 can also have one or more sensors having magnetometersfor sensing direction relative to the magnetic field of the earth. Forexample, a sensor can be associated with each shoe of a golfer 121.These sensors can help determine if the golfer's feet are parallel toeach other and perpendicular to the golf target line (the line alongwhich the golf ball should be launched). Similar sensors can also beassociated with the MCU 141, and with the interface box 153. Thus, shoeor foot sensors can interact with sensors in the interface box 153 todetermine the angle of the feet with respect to the angle of the goldtarget line as determined with respect to the position of the interfacebox 153.

The system 109 can also have one or more distance sensors associatedwith the feet of the golfer 121. For example, a first distance sensor onone foot can have a transmitter that transmits an ultrasonic signal thatreflects off a flat surface of another sensor on the other foot andtravels back along its original path so that it is detected by areceiver in the first distance sensor. The distance sensor can calculatethe distance between the two feet based on the time delay betweentransmitting and receiving the ultrasonic signal. Laser distance sensorscan also be used. In some embodiments, a signal source on the feet cantransmit to a receiver (instead of a reflector) associated with theinterface box 153 so that the distance is calculated without the signalbeing reflected back toward its origin. The distance sensors can be usedto indicate proper placement and alignment of the feet with respect tothe interface box 153 and the golf target line.

In some embodiments, various sensors can be combined. For example, adistance measuring sensor can be combined with a magnetometer so thatthe same sensor can measure both the distance between the center line ofthe golfer's feet and the orientation of each foot with respect tomagnetic north (or the orientation of each foot with respect to the golftarget line, for example).

At the left, FIG. 1B shows a golfer 121 looking down at the interfacebox 153 as the golfer 121 completes his swing. The interface box 153 isdepicted on the ground in a typical orientation. At the right, a moredetailed view of the top of an embodiment of the interface box 153 isshown. FIG. 3 provides more details about the functions and display ofthe interface box 153. FIG. 14 provides a description of how the system109 can use wireless communication.

1. Sensors

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of one embodiment of the sensors 131. Thesensors 131 can be referred to as “Body Sensors.” Various kinds ofsensors can be used to measure biometric data. For example, some sensorshave an accelerometer and can measure and transmit data representing X,Y, and Z coordinates of the position where the device is mounted. Suchsensors can be referred to as having three “sense points.” Some sensorshave, instead of or in addition to an accelerometer, a magnetometer. Amagnetometer can, like a magnetic compass, sense orientation relative tothe surrounding magnetic fields. For example, magnetometers can useearth's magnetic field to determine orientation with respect to magneticnorth. Some sensors have, instead of or in addition to the componentsdescribed above, have ultrasonic sensors. These sensors can emit and/orreceive ultrasonic signals and are generally used to determine thedistance between sensors or between a sensor and a reflective surface.Some sensors have, instead of or in addition to the components describedabove, a gyroscope. Gyroscopic sensor components can establish anorientation and sense deviations from that orientation based on theprinciple of conservation of angular momentum. Some sensors have only anaccelerometer, while other sensors have an accelerometer, amagnetometer, and an ultrasonic sensing component. Some sensors have anaccelerometer, a magnetometer, and a gyroscopic sensing component.Preferably, the sensors employed are small and light-weight, with lowpower requirements. Preferably, the sensor system measures nine (9)degrees of motion using acceleration sensors, magnetometer, and gyros.

In some embodiments, each sensor has a micro controller that makes thephysical measurement and converts the data into an appropriatecommunication protocol. The data collected from each of these sensors isprocessed and stored in real time in the MCU 141 which can be worn bythe subject 120 (see FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, each body sensor 131 comprises a three-axisaccelerometer, a three-axis magnetometer, and a three-axis gyroscopicsensor. One or more sensors can be used. In certain embodiments, 2, 3,4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, or more sensors are used. In two golf-relatedembodiments shown in FIG. 1A, one shows two arm sensors, and the othershows three arm sensors, a shoulder sensor, and three leg sensors. Ingolf-related embodiments shown in FIG. 1B, only two external sensors 131are depicted, one on the head, and one at the base of the neck. The datafrom each of the sensor components are combined to determine the motionof the sensor in three dimensions.

In some preferred embodiments, eighteen sensors are attached to theuser's as described in Table 1. Each sensor advantageously includes asubsensor unit to determine the position, orientation, velocity, andacceleration along each of the three dimensions. A subsensor unit maycomprise an accelerometer, a magnetometer, and/or a gyroscopic detectorto track the movement of the portion of the user's body to which thesensor is attached.

TABLE 1 Sensor Position on User's Body Head Right Shoulder Left ShoulderRight Upper Arm Left Upper Arm Right Forearm Left Forearm Right HandLeft Hand Waist Right Hip Left Hip Right Upper Thigh Left Upper ThighRight Lower Leg Left Lower Leg Right Ankle Left Ankle

In one embodiment, each subsensor takes data at data rates up to about2000 Hz and uses 16 bits per channel. In other embodiments, some or allof the sensors may be programmed to take data at a variable samplingrate. For example, the sampling rate may be programmed based on theparticular athletic or rehabilitative activity for which the userdesires to obtain biometric performance information. In someimplementations, the user may set the sampling rate for some or all ofthe sensors, or the sampling rate may be set by the MCU 141 prior to amovement by the user. For example, in a golf application using thesensor positions shown in Table 1, the user (or MCU 141) may select aslow sampling rate for body portions that move relatively slowly (e.g.,head, ankles, waist, lower legs), an intermediate sampling rate for bodyportions that move at higher speeds (e.g., shoulders, hips, upper legs),and a fast sampling rate for body portions that move at relatively highspeeds and/or which exhibit substantial displacements from their initialpositions (e.g., arms and hands).

In one embodiment, the slow sampling rate may be about 10 Hz, theintermediate sampling rate may be about several hundred Hz, and the fastsampling rate may be about a kHz. Other sampling rates may be used forother applications. Embodiments providing variable sampling ratesbeneficially may use less data storage and lower data transfer rates,because fewer data samples are taken with sensors that measure onlyrelatively slow speeds or small movements. In other embodiments, auniform sampling rate may be chosen for some or all of the sensors,which beneficially may provide a simpler user initialization process andmay reduce possible synchronization problems between sensors.

In some preferred embodiments, each sensor 131 defines its owncoordinate system (e.g., “body coordinates”). A network of sensors 131is established, in which each sensor 131 is mechanically (and/orelectrically and/or wirelessly) linked, for example, via the user's limband torso connections, to a neighboring sensor. In this embodiment, thesensors 131 are related in a hierarchical tree network, with the root ofthe tree being, for example, a master sensor (e.g., the MCU 141). One ormore paths can be defined through the hierarchical tree network. As anexample, one path in the tree could be: forearm sensor—upper armsensor—back of torso sensor (e.g., the master sensor). The bodycoordinates from a sensor are transformed into an adjacent sensor's bodycoordinate system, and so on among the sensors on the path, resultingfinally in body coordinates in the master sensor body coordinate system.The body coordinates of the master sensor are then transformed into an“Earth” coordinate system, e.g., a coordinate system established for theenvironment in which the user performs actions. Accordingly, inpreferred embodiments, Earth coordinates for each sensor may becalculated, which permits tracking of all the sensors in a commoncoordinate system (e.g., the Earth coordinate system). In certainembodiments, a Kalman filter (or other suitable signal processingfilter, method, or technique) is used to control error propagation inthe data from each sensor. In some embodiments, sensor position,orientation, and rotation are represented using mathematical methods andalgorithms utilizing quaternions. Such embodiments may have improvedcomputational efficiency and/or computational speed.

In certain embodiments, the orientation of the sensor 131 is determinedby measuring a local magnetic field vector and a local gravity vectorand using those measurements to determine the orientation of the sensor.Some embodiments can include measuring the magnetic field vector and thelocal gravity vector using quaternion coordinates. Other methods fordetermining sensor orientation comprise measuring a local magnetic fieldvector, a local gravity vector, and the angular velocity of the sensor.These three vectors are processed to determine the orientation of thesensor. In certain embodiments, the three vectors are measured inquaternion coordinates.

Another method for determining sensor orientation comprises determininga local gravity vector by providing an acceleration detector, moving thedetector from a start point to an end point over a time period, andsumming acceleration measurements over the time period. The localgravity vector is calculated using the summed acceleration measurements.In another embodiment, the orientation of a sensor 131 can be tracked bymeasuring an angular velocity of the sensor 131 so as to generateangular rate values that are integrated and normalized to produce anestimated sensor orientation. Additionally, a local magnetic fieldvector and a local gravity vector can be measured by magnetic andacceleration sensors, respectively, and these measurements can be usedto correct the estimated sensor orientation.

Many other methods and techniques can be used to determine and tracksensor orientation. For example, certain preferred embodiments usemethods substantially similar to the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,820,025, titled “Method and Apparatus for Motion Tracking of anArticulated Rigid Body,” issued Nov. 16, 2004, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety and made part of thespecification hereof. In some implementations, kinematic equations ofmotion for determining sensor position and/or orientation are solvedusing methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,611, titled “Closed-FormIntegrator for the Quaternion (Euler Angle) Kinematics Equations,”issued May 9, 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein inits entirety and made part of the specification hereof

In some embodiments, other mathematical methods and algorithms are used,e.g., Euler angles, roll/pitch/yaw angles, matrix techniques, etc. Forexample, some embodiments utilize techniques to track the orientationand movement of the sensors including those described in, for example,U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,221, titled “Rotational Sensor System,” issued Oct.23, 2001, and/or U.S. Pat. No. 6,636,826, titled “Orientation AngleDetector,” issued Oct. 21, 2003, each of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety and each of which is made part of thespecification hereof

FIG. 2 also shows a close-up view of one embodiment of a transceiver140, in the form of an MCU 141. The MCU 141 can process data from thesensors 131, managing the data in real time. Real time can refer to veryfast processing speed. In some embodiments, real time can refer to datatransmission and processing that allows a display to show movement soquickly after the corresponding real movement was made that the displayappears to a human observer to be synchronized with, or approximatelysynchronized with the actual movement. In some embodiments, the movementdoes not appear to be precisely synchronized, but it can be positivelyrelated to the real movement by a human observer.

The MCU 141 can be a computer-based device and can operate on batterypower (e.g., it can use a standard 9-volt battery, a rechargeablebattery, or some other source of power). A housing 210 can enclose notonly a battery (not shown), but also various other electronic circuitryin the MCU 141. Cables 220 can connect with the housing 210 throughconnectors 222, extending from the housing 210 to the sensors 131. Insome embodiments, the cables 220 are not necessary because the sensors131 transmit wirelessly to the MCU 141. The MCU 141 can have a screen230 that provides a visual display or interface for a user. The MCU 141can also have features that allow a user to control or otherwiseinteract with the MCU 141. For example, a first button 241 can changethe “mode” of the MCU 141, a second button 242 can select a command froma menu (which can be visible on the screen 230, for example), a thirdbutton 243 can scroll up on a menu or move a cursor up, and a fourthbutton 244 can scroll down on a menu or move a cursor down.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment wherein the sensors 131 areconnected to the MCU 141 via wired connections (e.g., the cables 220),in other embodiments the sensors 131 communicate with the MCU 141 (orother transceivers, processors, and/or networks) via wirelesstechniques, as further described herein.

2. Sensor Attachment to the User's Body

The sensors 131 may be attached to suitable portions of the user's bodyvia straps, bands, wire or string, harnesses, Velcro connectors, or byany other suitable attachment method or device. It is advantageous ifthe position and orientation of the sensors 131 relative to the user'sbody does not substantially change during the user's movements. In somepreferred embodiments, some or all of the sensors 131 are attached to agarment that is worn by the user while biometric data is being taken.

FIG. 2A illustrates one manner of attaching sensors to a garment (e.g.,a sleeve). If the sensors are securely fastened, they can remain inplace during body movement. If the sensors are associated with clothingthat is fitted tightly against the body of the wearer, accuracy ofsensor data can be improved. However, it is desirable for any suchgarment fitted with the sensors not to impede the movement of thewearer. FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a user's arm within a garment200 comprising a sleeve 202. Three sensors 204 (which may be similar tothe sensors 131) are shown as attached to the sleeve 202, but fewer ormore sensors can be used in other embodiments. A “Velcro” (e.g., hookand/or loop material) base 208 can be attached (e.g., stitched, adhered,snapped, bonded, etc.) to a portion of the garment 200 such as a portionof the sleeve 202.

In some embodiments, the garment 200 conforms to the user's body so thatthe garment does not shift or move with respect to the user's body or aportion of the user's body (e.g., the user's arm) when the user engagesin athletic activities. As shown in FIG. 2B, the Velcro base 208 caninclude a wire channel 212 and a sensor cavity 216 for holding one ofthe sensors 204. It is preferred, but not required, that the sensorcavity 216 have a size and shape suitable to hold a sensor 204 withoutsubstantial relative movement or rotation of the sensor 204 with respectto the user's body or a portion of the user's body. In some embodiments,the sensor 204 has a shape, such as a rectangular shape, and the sensorcavity 216 has a corresponding shape, such as a rectangular shape,configured to snugly hold the sensor 204 so as to limit relativemovement and/or rotation of the sensor 204. In other embodiments, thesensors 204 are sewn, stitched, glued, bonded, attached with Velcro, orotherwise held in place within the cavity 216. In some embodiments, thewire channel 212 has a width of about ⅛ inch, the sensor cavity 216 hasdimensions of about 1 inch by 1½ inches, and the Velcro base 208 has atransverse width of about 1 inch. In certain embodiments, a strip 214can cover the wire channel 212 and the sensor cavity 216 as shown inFIG. 2C. The strip 214 can be made from cloth, Velcro, or other suitablematerial. The strip 214 can be configured to resemble a racing stripe.In some embodiments, the strip 214 is reflective.

Various attachment methods can be used, including snaps, buttons,zippers, etc. As shown in FIG. 2D, some embodiments of the garment 200do not include the wire channel 212, and may be advantageously used withwireless sensors. In some embodiments, some or all of the sensors are inphysical contact with the wearer. Thus, they can be attached to theinside of a garment sleeve, for example.

3. Water-Resistant Systems

Some embodiments of the present inventions are configured for use whenthe user is swimming or is likely to become wet (e.g., triathlons, waterpolo, beach volleyball, etc.). In some embodiments, some or all of thesensors 131 are configured to be substantially water resistant. This canbe accomplished, for example, by encasing or enclosing the sensors in awaterproof or watertight material or container. In some embodiments, thesensor cavity 216 in the garment 200 is configured to be waterproof orwatertight. In an embodiment, the strip 214 is configured to providefurther water resistance. In some embodiments, a swimmer wears aswimming garment or swim suit made from a material that conforms to theshape of at least a portion of the swimmer's body (e.g., a material suchas Spandex or Lycra), and the sensors 204 are snugly attached in thecavities 216. In embodiments suitable for swimming, it is advantageous,although not always necessary, that sensors 131 be wireless sensors toavoid electrical shorting problems with wired connections. Embodimentsof the present inventions are particularly advantageous in swimmingcontexts, because the present system can provide biometric data thatconventional optical sensor systems cannot provide due to distortion ofthe swimmer's image by the water.

As described, some or all of the sensors 131 may be configured to bewater resistant (e.g., waterproof, water tight, and/or water-repelling)devices, for example, by enclosing the sensors 131 in a material orcasing or container that is resistant to penetration by water, moisture,and/or humidity. In other embodiments, some or all of the components(e.g., the housing 210, the MCU 141, the cables 220, and/or theconnectors) are water resistant. The sensors 131 may have connectorsthat allow them to be daisy chained to other sensors 131. In anembodiment, the connectors are coated or covered with a silicon compoundto make the connection to the sensor 131 sufficiently water resistantfor the application in which the sensors 131 are to be used. In someapplications the sensors 131 may be highly waterproof (e.g., scubadiving, swimming, triathlons, military marine operations, underwaterconstruction), while in other applications the sensors 131 may be onlywater or sweat resistant (e.g., running, steeplechase). In someembodiments, the sensor 131 is further inserted into a protectiveplastic enclosure.

The MCU 141 may utilize a water protective covering similar to thesensors 131. If the MCU 141 includes a replaceable power source (e.g., abattery), the sensor 131 may include a water-protected opening havingrubber gaskets that compress to seal the opening. If the MCU 141 powersource includes a rechargeable power source (e.g., a rechargeablebattery), then in some embodiments the MCU 141 may be charged asfollows. The enclosure of the MCU 141 may comprise a portion of anelectrical coil (e.g., ½ of a transformer), while the exterior of theenclosure comprises another portion of the coil, thereby forming acomplete transformer. The electrical field created by the transformer isconverted to direct current (DC) by rectification and filtering. The DCvoltage is then used to charge the MCU power source. In someembodiments, the MCU 141 comprises a water sensor, so that if the MCU141 is in the water, the wireless transmitter may be disabled. When theMCU 141 is not in the water, the MCU 141 can be commanded to transmitinternally stored data to an external storage device. In waterenvironments where only a low rate of data from the MCU 141 is needed,one or more ultrasonic sensors can be used for transmitting andreceiving data underwater. Ultrasonic data may be transmitted on asingle frequency or on multiple frequencies via frequency hopping. Oneembodiment uses a reference time pulse by which to key transmission, sothat distance can also be measured in the water.

In some implementations, some or all of the water-resistant sensors 131include data storage within the sensor housing (or within awater-resistant fitting). The data storage stores data taken by thesensor 131, for later retrieval and analysis. Such implementations areadvantageous in applications, e.g., swimming or diving, where waterwould inhibit the transfer of data from the sensor 131 to the MCU 141.

4. Alternative MCU Systems

MCU systems can be configured in a variety of ways, with varyingfeatures, which can be manufactured and sold for different amounts. Oneexample configuration can be referred to as the “Introductory” MCUsystem. This MCU embodiment can support various sensor configurationsused to monitor real time motion. The introductory MCU system can have aslot or connector for plugging in a Flash Memory card for storingcollected data and moving the data to a personal computer. TheIntroductory MCU system can also support an optional low cost wirelessinterface to transfer the stored data to a personal computer with awireless interface (which can be offered as an optional accessory, forexample). A “Mid-Level” system embodiment can contain all of thefunctionality of the introductory embodiment and also include both aFlash Memory card and a low cost wireless interface. A “Professional”MCU system embodiment may support the Flash Memory card and a high-endindustry standard wireless interface (e.g., 802.11A, 802.11B, 802.11G,etc.). The Professional MCU system can also have an additional,real-time memory to store events lasting two to three times the normaltime period. The Professional MCU system can also have an additionalserver chip that can allow the MCU to transmit data directly to theWorld Wide Web without the use of an intermediate personal or laptopcomputer.

In some embodiments, the system (including, for example, the sensors 131and the MCU 141) can be configured to take data within a range of samplerates. For example, the range may include sample rates from about 1 Hzto about 10 kHz. It is preferable that the sample rate be at least aslarge as the appropriate Nyquist sample rate corresponding to the motionof the body part to which the sensor is attached. In one embodiment, thesensors 131 use a sample rate of 2 kHz. In some preferred embodiments,the sensor 131 may be configured to use two or more sample rates so asto provide a sample rate that is adjustable or programmable. Forexample, referring to Table 1, an ankle sensor may be configured tosample at about 10 Hz, a shoulder sensor at 1 kHz, and a hand sensor at2 kHz. Advantageously, the sample rate can be adjustable by amanufacturer, retailer, and/or user. In certain embodiments, the samplerate can be adjusted by a transceiver and/or processor (e.g., the MCU141). For example, in one embodiment the sensor 131 is configured toreceive a signal and to adjust the sample rate in response to thesignal. The signal can come from a transceiver, or processor. In anembodiment, the sensors 131 are configured to receive such a signal viawireless communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, 802.11, RF, etc.).

In other embodiments, the sensor 131 is configured to be coupled to adocking station that can provide the signal through one or moreelectrical connectors. In some embodiments, a user can change aconfiguration setting that affects sampling rate to tune or adjust thesystem for a particular use. Thus, a system such as those describedherein can be useful in various markets, with various sports, to trackvarious movements, etc. Another feature that can allow greatexpandability is to provide open architecture modular code. Aprogrammable sampling rate can have many advantages. For example, it canprovide the ability to increase or decrease the rate each sensor issampled, independently of the other sensors. This can reduce theduplication of data and storage requirements. Another advantage ofprogrammable and/or independent sample rates for various sensors is thatdifferent parts of the body can move at different rates. Thus, havingthe ability to sample the actual rate of movement can reduce datastorage needed and/or allocate data storage resources efficiently,providing more resources to be used for data relating to sensors thatneed to take more data (e.g., those sensors attached to areas wheremovement is faster). An example is a baseball pitcher. The highestsample rate may only be needed on his pitching arm to capture the highspeed motion, while the sensors associated with rest of his body canoperate at a small fraction of the sampling rate to capture the rest of(or at least enough of the relevant) body motion data. In someembodiments, an electromyogram (EMG) sensor can be included in such asystem to provide additional data. Such sensors can also take advantageof a system with programmable data sample rates, because they may havedifferent data sampling requirements from those of the other sensors.

The sensors 131 (and/or the MCU 141 or other suitable processors) may beconfigured to use remote signal strength indication (“RSSI”) toestimate, for example, the relative distances between the sensors 131and/or between the sensors 131 and the MCU 141. For example, using RSSI,sensors 131 that are farther apart will communicate smaller RSSIindexes, whereas sensors 131 that are closer together will communicatelarger RSSI indexes. In other embodiments, distance between sensors 131is determined by measuring a time of arrival of a reference signal and areturn response to indicate an elapsed time. Distance is calculated fromthe elapsed time by multiplying by the signal speed (e.g., the speed oflight for electromagnetic reference signals or the speed of sound forultrasonic reference signals).

In certain embodiments the sensors 131 are configured to communicatebidirectionally, e.g., to send and to receive information and/or data.In one such embodiment, the sensors 131 are configured to receiveinstructions that update firmware disposed within the sensor 131. Inanother embodiment, the sensors 131 are configured to receiveinstructions that permit adjustment or resetting of a programmablesample rate. In certain embodiments, instructions can be communicated tothe sensors 131 (and/or the MCU 141) that, for example, unlock certainfeatures of the sensor 131. For example, a sensor 131 may includeacceleration, magnetic, and gyroscopic detectors. Such a sensor may havethe acceleration detectors activated by default, but the magnetic andgyroscopic detectors disabled by default. Rather than having to purchasea new sensor, a user desiring enhanced capabilities provided by themagnetic and gyroscopic detectors can simply pay a fee and a command tounlock the magnetic and/or gyroscopic detectors will be transmitted tothe sensor 131 (e.g., via a wireless network, the internet, the MCU 141,etc.).

C. Example Golf Interface Box

FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of one embodiment of an interface box 352(which can play the role of the interface box 153 of FIG. 1B). Theinterface box 153 is an example of the first processor 150 of FIG. 1.The interface box 153 can be referred to as a “remote display system”because in use, it can be located on the ground, away from, but visibleto the golfer 121, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. Although the depictedembodiment is described below, it should be understood that any of thevisible features/aspects of the device can also appear on a screen suchas an LCD screen. Thus, a body alignment indicator 322 and/or astance-width indicator 332, etc. can appear as a portion of a screendisplay rather than having a separate, dedicated indicator for eachfunction.

The interface box 352 has a line 312 with arrows at either end that canbe generally aligned with the golf target line, or the line between theplace where the golf ball rests and the hole into toward which thegolfer 121 intends to propel the golf ball.

The interface box 352 can include a body alignment indicator 322 withone or more audible or visual indicators. The interface box 352 shown inFIG. 3 includes three visual indicators, although fewer or more visual(and/or audible) indicators may be used. The visual indicators maycomprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), bulbs (e.g., incandescent,fluorescent, halogen), fiber optic light indicators, or other suitablelight-indicating devices. The audible indicators may comprise a bell,beep, buzzer, chime, alarm, or other suitable sound-producing device.The interface box 352 can communicate with the MCU 141, and thealignment of the magnetometer in the MCU 141 can be compared to thealignment of the magnetometer in the interface box 352. Generally, thegolfer 121 should be aligned parallel to the golf target line. In theinterface box 352 shown in FIG. 3, if the MCU 141 indicates that thegolfer 121 is facing too far to the left, an LED at the left of the bodyalignment indicator 322 lights up; if the MCU 141 indicates that thegolfer 121 is facing too far to the right, an LED at the right of thebody alignment indicator 322 lights up. If the golfer 121 is alignedcorrectly, a middle LED lights up. In other embodiments, an audibleindicator additionally (or alternatively) provides a distinctive soundwhen the golfer is aligned (or misaligned). Such embodimentsadvantageously provide feedback to the golfer without requiring thegolfer to look up (or move his or her eyes) to detect a visualindicator.

The interface box 352 can also include a left foot alignment indicator324 and a right foot alignment indicator 326, each with three LEDs thatoperate similarly to those of the body alignment indicator 322. Thesealignment indicators display the result of a comparison between thealignment of the magnetometers in the sensors on the feet of the golfer121 and the magnetometer in the interface box 352. In some embodiments,this comparison is made in the MCU 141, and the result of the comparisonis sent to the interface box 352. Generally, the feet should be alignedperpendicularly to the golf target line. Thus, if the MCU 141 indicatesthat either of the feet of the golfer 121 is facing too far to the left,the LED at the left of the corresponding foot alignment indicator lightsup; if the MCU 141 indicates that either of the feet of the golfer 121is facing too far to the right, the LED at the right of thecorresponding foot alignment indicator lights up. If the feet of thegolfer 121 are aligned correctly, the middle LED lights up in each ofthe foot alignment indicators 324 and 326.

The interface box 352 can also include a stance width indicator 332.This indicator receives a signal from the MCU 141 that corresponds tothe width calculated from the distance sensor or sensors associated withthe feet or shoes of the golfer 121. The stance width indicator canindicate the distance between sensors on the golfer's two feet. In someembodiments, the stance width indicator 332 can display three digits ofboth alphanumerical and or just numerical data. In some embodiments, thestance width indicator can display a number showing the distance (inunits of inches or centimeters, for example) between the centerline ofone of the golfer's feet and the centerline of the golfer's other foot.

In the center of the interface box 352 is a human profile 330 or otherrelevant profile. The human profile can have various indicatorsproviding information to a golfer 121 about the golfer's stance or bodyposition. For example, a head LED 332 on the head of the human profile330 can provide information relating to signals received from the headsensor 132 on the back of the golfer's head. Similarly, the shoulder LED334 can provide information relating to signals received from theshoulder sensor 134 on the back of the golfer 121 in between theshoulders, and the hip LED 338 can provide information relating tosignals received from a hip sensor located in the MCU 141 that can beattached to the golfer's belt, for example. A mid-back LED 336 canprovide information relating to signals received from both a head sensor132 and a shoulder sensor 134.

Various LED, LCD, or other visual interface configurations are possible.For example, in some embodiments, the color of the LED (e.g., green,amber, red, etc.) can indicate whether or not the correct alignment hasbeen reached. In other embodiments, different LEDs can light up whenalignment is correct. In some advantageous embodiments, each LED has twocolors, amber and green. When the golfer's head is far from beingcorrectly aligned and/or tilted, the head LED 332 flashes rapidly inamber. As the golfer's head approaches the correct alignment and/ortilt, the intervals between flashes decrease but the flashing head LED332 continues to be amber colored. When the golfer's head is in correctalignment (or within a certain pre-set range that is considered to be orprogrammed to be “correct”) the head LED 332 changes to emit steadygreen light. The shoulder LED 334 and the hip LED 338 operate similarly,flashing amber with decreasing flash intervals and finally shiningsteady green light when the correct alignment is approached and thenachieved. The mid-back LED has a similar pattern, but it requires theproper alignment and/or tilt from both the head sensor 132 and theshoulder sensor 334 before it will turn green. In this way, it canindicate to the golfer when the proper back and head angles are achievedwhen addressing the ball.

In addition to using LEDs and other graphical displays, the interfacebox 153 can also provide information to a user by way of audio signals.In some embodiments, the interface box 153 (and/or the MCU 141 itself)can announce or otherwise audibly communicate information (including thedisplayed information described above with respect to the interface box352) to a user. This audio interface can be achieved, for example,through audio signals emitted from a speaker 340 that can be located inthe interface box 153. For example, an audio signal can be generated toindicate body rhythm. When a golfer swings a golf club, for example,different sounds can be emitted that indicate whether or not the swingis smooth. Smoothness can be measured by sensors comparing the relativeorientations, positions, velocities, or accelerations of variousreadings or other data taken during a sports movement (e.g., a golfswing).

In some embodiments, the sounds audible to the user (e.g., a golfer orother sports participant) can be descriptive: one sound (e.g., aclicking sound, a buzz, a beep of one tonality) can indicate that theswinging motion is too jerky or random; another sound (e.g., a swooshsound, a pleasant chord, or a beep of a different tonality) can indicatethat the swinging motion is smooth. In some embodiments, sounds can beprescriptive: a series of sounds can be emitted that correspond to theproper rhythm of the golf swing, and the golfer can match the swing tothe cadence of the sounds. Visual indicators can be prescriptive ordescriptive as well. In some embodiments, the pitch, intensity, and/orrepeat rate of the sound can change to provide information about howmuch the user's movement and/or position varies from a certain value orrange of values or to provide other information to the user.

II. Methods for Gathering and Analyzing Biometric Data

A. Communication Methods

Components of the system 110 can be configured to communicate usingwired and/or wireless techniques. For example, the MCU 141 cancommunicate with the interface box 153 using any number of communicationprotocols, including, but not limited to, 2.4 GHz devices, Bluetoothdevices, wireless local area network (WLAN) channels, etc. In someembodiments, the communication occurs using an nRF24XX, available fromNordic Semiconductor ASA of Tiller, Norway. The nRF24XX can use alow-level Frequency Agility Protocol (nAN24-07) that protects againstdisturbing traffic from frequency stationary systems like WLAN andfrequency hopping devices like Bluetooth.

In some embodiments, the data capture and/or transmittal are performedusing methods and apparatus substantially as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,820,025, titled “Method and Apparatus for Motion Tracking of anArticulated Rigid Body,” issued Nov. 16, 2004, U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,221,titled “Rotational Sensor System,” issued Oct. 23, 2001, and/or U.S.Pat. No. 6,636,826, titled “Orientation Angle Detector,” issued Oct. 21,2003. The entirety of each of these documents is incorporated byreference herein and made part of this specification.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, a sensor's micro controller can make aphysical measurement. The micro controller can then convert the datafrom the measurement into an agent based transaction model (ABT)communication protocol, which may be advantageous for distributednetwork services environment. The sensor can then send the converteddata to an MCU. The MCU can then store and/or process the data. Thus, insome embodiments, the sensor data is sampled and transmitted to the MCU141 for processing and/or storage. In some embodiments, the sensors 131can include micro controllers that output digital data. The microcontrollers can convert the measured data into a special communicationprotocol (e.g., an AST communication protocol) that is compatible withthe MCU 141.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, the MCU 141 can storethe sensor data. The MCU 141 can also further process the sensor data.As shown, the MCU 141 can send data to a first processor (e.g., thefirst processor 150 of FIG. 1), which can be a personal computer or alaptop computer. This data transfer can be accomplished via a wirelessinterface, which can allow a sports participant great mobility, evenwhile connected to the electronic sensors and/or MCU. As illustrated,the personal computer can receive the data, store and/or analyze thedata. In some embodiments, the first processor is an interface box 153.Thus, in some embodiments, after the data and/or information isprocessed, the results are transmitted to the interface box 153, whichin turn communicates the results to the user (e.g., a golfer).

FIG. 5A schematically illustrates examples of subcomponents of an MCU541 (e.g., the MCU 141) and shows connections along which data and/orsignals can travel between those components. The subcomponents of theMCU 541 can be implemented with suitable electronic components includinga field programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logicdevice (CPLD), and/or a programmable logic device (PLD). Although notillustrated in FIG. 5A, data from sensors (e.g., the sensors 131) canflow into the depicted gate array 512. Data and/or address informationcan flow from the gate array 512 to the N Processor 520, the SRAM 530and/or the program ROM 540 as shown, using a data bus, for example.Buffered address information can flow from the gate array 512 to theSRAM 530 and/or the program ROM 540 as shown. The SRAM can providetemporary storage of data (e.g., for buffering). Control signals andother data can also flow to and from the SD flash memory 550 from thegate array 512. To or from the gate array 512, analog/digital controlsignals and other data can flow from or to a wireless device 560 (e.g.,a 2.46 gigahertz device), which can transmit or receive data to otherwireless devices. An LCD display 570 and a key pad 580 can also beconnected to the gate array 512, and data from memory (e.g., the programROM 540) can be displayed on the LCD display 570.

FIG. 5B schematically illustrates examples of subcomponents of acomponent (such as the gate array 512 shown in FIG. 5A.) Data andsignals to and/or from sensors can flow into the illustrated component.Channel 1 is shown, and channels 2-4 can have similar components andlayouts. For example, each channel can have a parallel to serialcomponent 582, a first-in, first-out (FIFO) buffer out 584, and a dataout component 586, which can send data to outside components (e.g.,sensors). Each channel can also have a serial to parallel component 583,a first-in, first-out (FIFO) buffer in 585, and a data input component587, which can receive data from outside components (e.g., sensors). TheFIFO buffer out 584 can, in some embodiments, exchange places with theparallel to serial component 582. Similarly, in some embodiments, theFIFO buffer in 585 can exchange places with the serial to parallelcomponent 583. The parallel and serial component 582 and the serial toparallel component 583 can be connected to a command storage buffer 592,which can also be connected to a channel one command sequencer 590. Thechannel one command sequencer 590, as well as the command storage buffer592 and the two parallel/serial components 582 and 583 can be connectedto a channel one clock 594, which is in turn connected to a channel oneclock out 596. In some embodiments, the component (e.g., the gate array512) can include a microcontroller, which can be programmed to generatean executable set of commands. For example, the commands may enablesignal processing (e.g., filtering) of the data received from thesensors.

FIG. 5C schematically illustrates a process that can be performed by acomponent (e.g., the gate array 512 of FIG. 5B). In some embodiments, acommand can be received, and that command can be written to a channelone sequencer 590, as shown at 522. The system can then determine if thecommand is the last one, as shown at 523. If not, the system caniterate, writing the next command to the sequencer 590, as shown at 522.However, if the command is the last command, the system can wait forinterrupt, as shown at 524, and read a sensor (e.g., sensor x), as shownat 525. The sensors read can be the sensors 131, for example.

FIG. 5D is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an embodimentof a wireless sensor 501. The wireless sensor 501 can be implementedusing electronic circuitry including, for example, an FPGA or CPLD. Thewireless sensor 501 comprises a magnetometer 502, an accelerometer 503,and a gyroscopic sensor 504 attached via serial lines to a serialinterface 505 (e.g., an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) serialinterface), which communicates via a data and control bus with amicrocontroller 506. The sensors 502-504 may include analog-to-digitalconverters. The microcontroller 506 can act as the bus master andcoordinate the flow of data, for example, to on-board data storagememory 507 and to a wireless data interface 508 for transmission to awireless data network via an antenna 509.

B. Golf Methods

In some embodiments, optical or other sensors can be used to determinewhether a person's golf stance meets a certain criteria. An exampleprocess is illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, sensors can helpdetermine the distance between and/or orientation of two feet of agolfer as shown at 612. In some embodiments, a position and/ororientation of a knee is also detected or determined as shown at 614. Insome embodiments, sensors can be used instead of a yardstick todetermine separation distance and/or orientation of a user's body.Sensors may transmit data to an MCU, as shown at 616. The MCU 141 cancomprise a user interface, or it can transmit data relating to feetand/or knee position and or orientation to a separate user interface, asshown at 618. A user interface can be, for example, a device worn on thebelt of or located in the pocket of a user, and the device can emit asound to alert the user to correct or incorrect stance and/orpositioning, for example. In some embodiments, a user can determinecorrect stance and/or positioning using one or a plurality of markingson a user's golf club that has been marked to show proper distances. Thegolf club thus marked can act as a template or measuring device that canbe used instead of a yardstick, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a subject/user (e.g., a golfer) can followsome or all of the following steps to make use of a device such as thosedescribed above. A golfer can associate the sensors 131 with his body712 by attaching them to his skin or placing them in pockets on hisclothing. The golfer can then associate the MCU 141 with his body 714(e.g., by clipping the MCU 141 to his belt). The golfer can thencalibrate the system 715, e.g., by standing erect, with his back heldstraight against a vertical surface such as a door frame, with shouldersparallel to the ground and hips parallel to the ground (such that hisleft and right shoulders are each located generally the same distancefrom the ground, and such that his left and right hips are locatedgenerally the same distance from the ground). When this balanced, erectposition is assumed, the golfer can push a button or otherwisecommunicate to the system that a calibration position is achieved. Thesystem can then measure subsequent positions relative to the calibrationposition.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, after calibration, the user is readyto begin a sports activity (e.g., golfing). The golfer can ascertain thegolf target line and place the interface box 153 on the ground such thatthe line 312 is aligned with the golf target line as shown at 722. Thegolfer can assume a golfing stance 724 by standing on the opposite sideof the ball from where the interface box 153 is placed. The golfer canthen check his alignment 726 by looking at (or listening to) the golferinterface box 153.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the various aspects of properalignment can be checked in various orders. For example, the golfer mayfirst check the alignment of his feet 732 by observing the left footalignment indicator 324 and the right foot alignment indicator 326. Thegolfer can also check the alignment of his body 734 using the bodyalignment indicator 322. The golfer can check his stance width 736 byobserving the stance width indicator 332. The golfer can also check hisshoulder alignment and/or balance 738 by referring to the shoulder LED334, check his hip alignment and/or balance 740 by referring to the hipLED 338, and check his head alignment 742 by referring to the head LED332. The golfer can then address the ball 744 by leaning forward, andcheck to see that the lean is correct 746 (e.g., that the head is up atthe proper angle) by referring to the mid-back LED 336. The golfer canthen take his back-swing and forward-swing 748, while listening to arhythm indicator through the speaker 340, for example.

In some embodiments, the data produced and/or transmitted by the firstprocessor 150 and/or the second processor 160 (see FIG. 1) can bestored, processed, and analyzed by a user (e.g., second user 162) thatis different from the first user 152. The second user 162 can be acompany that sells the data (in raw or processed form) to other users.The second user 162 can also perform research using the data to showstatistical trends or quantities. Data can be used to in medicalresearch studies, physical therapy studies (relating to both pre- andpost-injury periods) to analyze a patient's recovery cycle, in additionto many other possible applications. The data collection, storage,processing, analysis, etc. can be accomplished as follows.

C. Data Collection Methods

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention comprises hardwareand software that can measure body movement. The hardware and softwarecan be inexpensive to manufacture. In some embodiments, a device cancapture training data that reflects an athlete's or a patient's progressand/or training history. A system that can collect and store suchhistorical data can become more and more valuable to a user over time,because a user may desire to see his or her own trends or patterns. Sucha system can also have value to a data collection entity, because a datacollection entity can provide research services (e.g., comparing theuser's data to other users' data, comparing to the average user,comparing to a standard selected or designated by a coach, etc.) A datacollection entity can also provide consulting services (e.g., providingautomatic and/or personalized analysis of data, providing ways toimprove accuracy and/or reliability of data, providing ideas of how touse the data collection device more effectively, etc.) A data collectionentity can also provide performance enhancement services (e.g., adviceon how to improve performance, training, etc.) Data collected duringthese activities can be stored and analyzed (e.g., to allow for betteraverages, better comparisons, more robust statistical analysis, etc.)The data can also be licensed and/or sold to other users such asresearchers, coaches, scouts for professional athletics, etc., and canbe used for many purposes (e.g., physiological studies, medical studies,sports performance studies, rehabilitation studies, etc.) In someembodiments, that data can allow research to be done on trends oraverages of biometric data across various demographic groups. This datacan be valuable, for example, to physical therapists attempting toanalyze various treatment methods and/or to coaches researching improvedtraining or coaching techniques. This data can be valuable, for example,to establish new industry benchmarks or indices or to establish normalor exceptional performance parameters.

In some embodiments, the data can be protected by separating the name ofthe user from which the data originated and the stored data itself. Forexample, the data can be stored by identification number, and approvalcan be required before the name and the data are associated. Permissionscan be tracked and stored in a database. Various other encryption andpassword technologies can be employed to protect user data.

D. Example Data Engine

A “data engine” can be a series of computers that utilize software tocollect, process, store, and/or data-mine information from the datacollected using systems as described above (e.g., movement data, balancedata, position, speed, or velocity data, direction data, rotation data,etc.). In addition to this data, sensors can also monitor temperatures,heart rate, EKG, EMG, blood pressure, blood oxygen content, glucoselevels, etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, an example data collection process can startat a web site describing products and services available that utilizethe described technology, as shown at 812. A customer (e.g., using anonline, web-based, or telephone ordering system) can purchase products,as shown at 814, and have them delivered directly to the user's home oroffice, for example. The system can record information related to theuser's interaction with the website and/or the user's purchase. When acustomer purchases a technology that utilizes any of the describedproducts (e.g., BodySensor products) a support software applicationpackage can be installed (e.g., by the user) on the user's computer, asshown at 816. The installation process can require the user to providedata. The product purchased may be connected with an existing telephoneline, Internet connection, cable connection, or other communicationmedium that supports an appropriate communication protocol, as shown at818. Using this protocol, data can be communicated to and stored by aserver. In some embodiments, a customer can interact with the software,supplying the company or operator of the data engine system with dataabout the customer, as shown at 820. When utilizing sensor products, thecustomer can subscribe to additional services, as shown at 822. Theseservices can include, for example, processing the data for a physicaltherapist, monitoring the training exercises of a baseball coach'splayers, etc.

In some embodiments, the data engine has the ability to associate aclient with a service provider, as shown at 824. The service providercan be a professional in any field. For example, the service providercan be a doctor seeking to assist patients, a major-league sports teamsearching for athletes, etc. For example, the service provider can be alicensee and/or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of products. Eachclient can be required to authorize any service provider, thus grantingthat service provider (or class of service providers) access to theclient's information. More than one service provider can access aclient's data. Personal information about the client can be locked, asshown at 826, so that service providers can not access the data withoutspecifically requesting the locked information.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example system for data collection and/or storage.With regard to the purchase of products and services, a world-wide-webserver 910 can allow users 912 to access information (through a firewall914) from servers 916, and potentially purchase products and/orservices. A sales database 920 can store client-specific information anddata relating to services purchased, as shown at 922 and 924. Acorporate network 940 can include an accounting database 930, accessedthrough a server 934, that can include the same information describedabove, and other information relating to billing, etc., as shown at 932.The data described above can be accessed through corporate workstations942, for example.

With regard to body movement or other system data, client servers 980can allow users 988 to upload and/or download data (through a firewall984) to or from servers 986. A user's workstation 982 can be a cellphone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digitalassistant, an MCU as described above, etc. The system data 972 can bestored in a client short term database 970 using server 974, forexample. In some embodiments, even if a user does not choose (or payfor) long term storage of the system data, it can be stored in a longterm research database 960. The research data 962 can be accessedthrough a server 964 from a corporate research network 950 usingworkstations 952, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, client and system information can stored in anumber of different databases. The association of a client's name to theuser ID can be stored in a secure database that can require executivelevel approval to access the data from the client's name and/or ID. Thiscan guarantee the client's privacy but also allows a companyadministering the program to use the clients' data. In some embodiments,a client can approve a company's use of the data by agreeing to thelicensing terms in a contract, for example. In some embodiments, aclient may want to make his or her data available to another individual.An example is a college baseball player trying out for a major leaguetime and the team specifically asking for data on his performancestarting in high school. This type of a request can be processed eitherusing the client's service agreement and or a contract with the majorleague baseball team.

1. Example Operation of a Data Engine

A data engine process can begin when a user requests demonstrationsoftware or purchases a sensor product, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Froma main page 1012, a user can begin a registration process 1013 and fillout a registration form 1014. Upon receipt (and/or verification) of theregistration form, the system can send the user a registration code toauthorize the demonstration or other program, as shown at 1016. Thus,when the customer checks out (e.g., from an on-line store) the customercan receive an authorization code that will allow him or her to downloadsoftware from a Web server and install the software right away and startusing it. The demonstration or other program can then be downloaded, asshown at 1018, or sent to the customer on a disc or other physicalmedium as shown at 1020. In some cases, (e.g., if the customer doesn'tdownload the software), a copy of the software can be shipped with theproduct (e.g., sensor units). In some embodiments, the software isrequired to access any of the related services provided online.

FIG. 11 illustrates offline and online registration options. Forexample, once the customer installs the software and enters theregistration code at a main page 1112, the client software can display awelcome message 1114, while attempting to connect with a servicesserver. The registration server can request an approval for theregistration code from an account authorization server. The registrationcode can be linked to a user's account, which can have information aboutwhich applications and/or service levels have been purchased by (orwhich demos have been sent to) that user. This information can bereturned to the client application, enabling each item. Thus, theregistration code can determine to which “business unit(s)” the user istitled to have access. Once the client applications are enabled, theclient application displays a registration page (e.g., an onlineregistration page 1116 or an offline registration page 1118) for theuser to complete. The client application will send a second request toregister the new user and an account ID created and the association withthe sales order. Support can be supplied if the purchaser and the userare two different individuals. Online registration can enable onlinedemonstration and level 1 access, for example, as shown at 1120. Offlineregistration can enable demo application from a demo CD as shown at1122. Thus, once registered, the user can have access to all of theservices purchased and any specific features that are offered toindividuals that have not purchased services. Applications can beavailable on a corporate server 1124 for online registration, and on aCDROM 1126 for offline registration.

In some embodiments, the user can install on his or her body the sensorspurchased and collect a sample of data to review. Once the data iscaptured, it is transferred to the client computer using either an SDFlash memory card (like a digital camera) or a wireless interface ifpurchased. In some embodiments, at this point the user can view the datacollected and playback the motions that were captured.

The user, after capturing the data, can select the upload command andthe client computer can automatically log the user into the account IDthat was registered. In some embodiments, all of the data captured canbe automatically uploaded when the authorization is approved to theappropriate file server. The data stored on the appropriate file servercan be available for a time (e.g., about 90 days or about 30 days orabout 60 days) before it is transferred to the Long Term ResearchDatabase 960 (see FIG. 9) where it can be stored indefinitely. In someembodiments, some data about the user can be stored that can revealinformation about the user including all physical measurements, age,sex, etc. These data can be used when searching for specific age orheight groups for research studies. Customers can request services to beperformed on their data. For example, a customer's golf backswing can beanalyzed (e.g., to determine why the customer's golf game has changed inthe last two week or months). The Long Term Research Database 960(illustrated in FIG. 9) can contain all of the customer records and canbe used to search for contracted data types. The research group canconvert company-specific data formats to customer-specific requirements.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, a web server (WS) (e.g., the web server 910or client servers 980 shown in FIG. 9) can give users and/or customersaccess to various aspects of communication with the provider (e.g., acompany) and the provider's “learning center” to satisfy the user needs.New users can build accounts that allow additional users (max number perlicense) access to different support levels. In some embodiments, allsoftware update and customer upgrades can be handled using the WS. Insome embodiments, the WS can be configured to be easy to use for anyperson with or without computer knowledge.

In some embodiments, a user may log in 1212 to a server (e.g., using ausername and password) and gain access to a data storage and analysispage. The system can determine if any new data is available to beuploaded to the server, as shown at 1214. If not, the system can proceedto analysis steps discussed below (e.g., at 1220), but if so, the datais uploaded, as shown at 1216. Once uploaded, the data on the user PCcan be marked as uploaded, as shown at 1218.

The system can prompt the user to indicate if the customer-controlleddata should be analyzed, as shown at 1220. If so, the data can beanalyzed by the user (or the user's PC), as shown at 1222, but if not,the user can be prompted to request or decline an analysis orconsultation on data as shown at 1228. If requested, the consultation isperformed, as shown at 1230. The data analysis options can be offeredbased on level of service a customer has purchased. The data can eitherbe “raw” data that the user analyzes independently (with or without thehelp of the user's system or personal computer, for example) as shown at1222, or it can be analyzed by a consultant or another server, as shownat 1228 and 1230. An analysis report can be sent to the user.Alternatively, a coach can have access to the data of a user and performevaluations and analysis of the data.

At this point, the system can check for software and hardware updates,as shown at 1224. If there are updates, the system can go to an updatepage 1226 that provides the user more information about those updatesand allows software updates to be ordered, downloaded, etc. Informationcan be provided to the user about new products or the user can also bedirected to an on line store, for example. If there are not updates, oronce any updates have been installed or declined, the system can promptthe user, as shown at 1232, about whether or not to exit 1234. If a userdeclines to exit, the system can repeat the analysis steps, beginning at1220, as shown. If a user elects to exit, the connection to a web servercan be closed with a message thanking them for using the services, withfurther company contact information offered by email response, or via acustomer representative telephone number.

In some embodiments, an athlete's performance can be enhanced andresearch can be advanced using data collected from that athlete.Furthermore, an athlete can receive consulting services that can beautomated or personalized.

2. Example System Configuration for Use with a Network

FIG. 13A schematically illustrates an example client/server system 1300that provides communication between a user and a host server through anetwork. The system 1300 can be used to transfer biometric andbiomechanical data, biomechanical performance fingerprints, biometricinstruction, images, video, audio, and other information between a userand the host server. The system 1300 can be implemented in the contextof the systems shown and described with reference to FIG. 9 (and withFIGS. 14 and 15 described below).

In block 1304 of FIG. 13A, the user can interact with the system 1300with a client application such as, for example, a browser that candisplay text, graphics, multimedia data, etc. The client application canrun on a processor such as a personal computer, cell phone, personaldigital assistant (PDA), pocket PC, or other portable communicationsand/or computing device. The client application may include a staticand/or dynamic user interface (e.g., an HTML or ASP-based browser).Information may be transferred over a network 1312 using a suitableformatting protocol that enables the definition, validation, and/orinterpretation of data. For example, information content may bedescribed using an extensible markup language (e.g., XML or SGML), andthe format or style of the information can be described using anextensible style language (e.g., XSL). In some world-wide-webapplications, hypertext markup language (HTML) is used. The formattingof the client side applications, browsers, and information can beselected to provide a “user experience” that makes it easy for the userto transfer information between the client applications and the serverapplications.

The network 1312 may be any suitable network suitable for communicatingdata and information such as, for example, the Internet or atelecommunications network such as a cell phone network. Information iscommunicated via the network 1312 between the client applications (inblock 1304) and the host server system (in blocks 1316-1340). The hostserver may include one or more processors (e.g., server computersystems, workstations, and/or mainframes) that implement the serverfunctions. For example, the server system may include a business logiclayer indicated in blocks 1316 and 1320 that provides a set of datamanagement functions and business specific logic. For example, thebusiness logic layer may determine an access level for the user whichdetermines, in part, the data the user can access and the functions theuser can invoke. The business logic layer may include server-sidescripting such as, e.g., active server pages (ASP) scripting and otherdata resource management workflow components. Other scripting languagessuch as Perl, Java Server Pages (JSP), or hypertext preprocessor (PHP)are used in other implementations.

The system 1300 also includes a data layer in block 1324 that providesthe business logic layer (blocks 1316 and 1320) with access to datastored in one or more databases. For example, data may be stored in asales database 1328, a user information database 1332, a file fragmentdatabase 1336, and a learning center database 1340. The business logiccomponents in block 1320 may include a database management system (DBMS)that provides database access and manipulation functions. In someimplementations, a structured query language (SQL) is used to implementthe database functions, and information from queries is returned in XMLformat. The databases 1328-1340 advantageously may be stored innormalized form (e.g., 3NF) to reduce or minimize data redundancy, datarestructuring, and input/output (I/O) rates by reducing the transactionsize. Additionally, the DBMS may enforce referential integrity toprevent users or components from entering inconsistent data in thedatabases 1328-1340. In some implementations, one or more of thedatabases 1328-1340 may comprise short term storage and long termstorage as discussed below with reference to FIG. 14. In order tomaintain privacy of a user's biomechanical data, it is advantageous tostructure the databases 1328-1340 so that the data is associated with aunique user identification string but not with the user's personal nameor address.

In certain embodiments, the sales database 1328 includes informationrelated to purchase of biometric and biomechanical products and servicesby a user. For example, the data may include user identificationinformation, user address and contact information, user paymentinformation, and user purchase information. The user informationdatabase 1332 include user-specific information needed for certainbiometric and biomechanical applications such as, for example, a user'sgender, birth date, height, and weight. The user information database1332 may also include a user-type to identify a category for the user(e.g., player, team, coach, trainer, billed user, patient, medicalprovider, etc). Users of the system can have various identifiedrelationships between or among each other, for example: player/coach;player/billed user; player/team; player/medical provider;player/trainer, etc.

The user information database 1332 may also include information relatedto the user's body such as the length or size of the user's arms, legs,torso, waist, etc. Such information may be further subdivided into, forexample, the user's forearm and upper arm length, hand length, wristsize, etc. User body information such as this may be measured during aninitial calibration session with the user, or such information may bemeasured from a garment used to hold the sensors (e.g., the garment 200shown in FIG. 2A). User body information may be updated as the user agesor as the user's body shape changes. User body information stored in theuser information database 1332 may be used to calculate sensor positionsand orientations (e.g., via the quaternion methods described above).

The file fragment database 1336 contains information for storage andretrieval of user files. For example, in one implementation, a rootfolder is created to store data records and information generated duringa particular day. Each day a new root folder is created, up to a maximumof N root folders. For example, in one embodiment, N can be set to 90 tostore ninety days of data. When a new root folder is created, datastored in the oldest root folder may be deleted or may be archived in along term database (e.g., the long term research database 960 shown inFIG. 9; see also the discussion of short term storage 1462 and long termstorage 1464 below with reference to FIG. 14).

The learning center database 1340 may include information related to theuser's biometric and/or biomechanical movements (e.g. a golfer's swing,a pitcher's throw, a patient's movements during rehabilitation). Forexample, the learning center database 1340 may include a time sequenceof acceleration, velocity, position, and/or orientation data read outfrom some (or all) of the sensors while the user performs a movement.The business logic components in block 1320 may include executableprogram components that access the biometric data in the learning centerdatabase 1340 so as to provide a biometric analysis of the user'smovements. For example, the biometric analysis may provide a performancefingerprint, graph, chart, or video. The biometric analysis may includestatistical data (e.g., histograms, performance comparisons to asuitable population, etc.) by which the user can track his or herbiometric progress.

The client/server system 1300 shown in FIG. 13A can be used to transferuser data into the databases 1328-1340 and/or to access, modify, andextract data from the databases 1328-1340. For example, the clientapplications in block 1304 can run on a user's cell phone and thenetwork 1312 can be a cell phone network. The user can access programcomponents (block 1320) that calculate the user's performancefingerprint (or other biometric information) from the user's biometricdata stored in the learning center database 1340. The performancefingerprint (or other biometric information) can be transferred backthrough the cell phone network 1312 for audio and/or visual display onthe user's cell phone. Many variations are possible and some variationsare discussed below with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 13B is a unified modeling language (UML) diagram schematicallyillustrating an abstract model of a software architecture 1350 that maybe used to implement the client/server system 1300 of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13Bschematically illustrates the flow of data and commands in thearchitecture 1350 and depicts abstractions and interfaces used with thebusiness logic layer of the system 1300 (blocks 1316 and 1320). In theembodiment shown in FIG. 13B, Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) isused to provide an XML-based protocol for exchanging structured andtyped information across the network 1312 (e.g., the Internet). Blocks1354 and 1358 are the server and client SOAP objects, respectively,which work together to proxy calls from the client to the server and toreturn requested data. The client SOAP objects 1358 may be invokedremotely by the client. The server SOAP objects 1354 may be executed bythe server as an extension to a Network Information Server (NIS) 1362.In some implementations, the NIS 1362 is an Internet Information Server(IIS). Application service objects 1386 are provided to mediate userrights at a login session, authenticate user name and password, and tomanage session tokens.

The database abstraction layer 1366 may provide access and dataformatting between a caller and the database 1328-1340. In thearchitecture 1350 shown in FIG. 13B, the SOAP layer is a consumer of thedatabase abstraction layer 1366. Various helper objects 1370 may becreated for each data type that is exchanged between the client and theserver. For example, helper objects 1370 may monitor the progress of thedata transfer, set file paths for data storage, etc. Local datamanagement objects 1374 are used to facilitate storage of data on theuser's client-side system. In some implementations, the local datamanagement objects 1374 are configured to work like a file system inorder to simplify storage requirements.

Data and files may be exchanged between the client and the server via aclient framework 1372, client-side file transfer agent 1378, andserver-side file transfer agent 1382. It is advantageous for theclient-side and server-side file transfer agents 1378 and 1382 to sharea common protocol to manage file transfers between the client and servercomputer systems. In some implementations the file transfer agents 1378and 1382 manage software upgrades and exchange of motion data capturedby the sensors described herein.

3. Alternative System Configurations

In some embodiments (e.g., a golf system such as the example system 109shown in FIG. 1B), a second processor may not be included in the system.However, in some embodiments, a second processor 160 (see FIG. 1),and/or additional processors (not shown) can also be included in thesystem. Indeed, various components can be included in variousembodiments that can be configured for different users.

In some embodiments, a system (e.g., a “BodySensor” system) can havethree components: the sensors, a Master Control Unit (MCU) (see FIG. 2for illustrations of each), and a Software ProPack (SPP). Each componentcan have various (e.g., three) different configurations. For example, alower level system can include fewer sensors, an MCU with lessfunctionality, and an SPP with fewer or less-advanced features. Incontrast, a higher level system can include more sensors, an MCU withmore functionality, and an SPP with more numerous or more-advancedfeatures.

In some embodiments, the Software ProPacks (“SPP”s) are computerprograms that operate using any of a number of operating systems,including, for example, Microsoft Windows, Linux, etc. In someimplementations of the system, there are three software packs havingincreasing numbers of advanced features: “Introductory,” “Mid-Level,”and “Professional.” The three packs may be provided as three separatesoftware packages or as three different modes within a single softwarepackage. In other implementations, fewer or greater levels of featuresmay be provided. Each software pack provides the customer with access tocertain levels of provider services. For example, each software pack canallow the user to log-in to the provider's web site and, based on theuser's service level, obtain updates to the MCU, the sensors, and/or theSPP features.

In one implementation, non-limiting examples of three SPP packs (ormodes) are the following:

An Introductory SPP is designed for a personal user and can allow a userand/or a web service to track the movement and position of the arm andupper torso. Movement tracking is accomplished in one embodiment bypositioning four sensors at different locations on the arm. For example,sensors can be located on the back of the hand, on the lower forearm, onthe upper forearm and on the rear side of the shoulder. Each of thesensors can be connected to an MCU 141 that collects, monitors, andstores data. The Introductory SPP may support monitoring of fewer (e.g.,only one) sensor. The user can utilize the provider's services tocompare new data to previously stored data and obtain professionalservices to analyze the data and/or to make personalized recommendationson improvements.

A Mid-Level SPP can offer enhancements over the Introductory SPPincluding, for example, functionality to gather and process data from anadditional set of sensors for the opposite arm. The second set ofsensors can allow the MCU 141 to monitor and store collected data forthe upper body, including waistline motion, for example. The user mayhave access to more local analysis of data and the ability to setmultiple data points to monitor and view. The user can have increasedaccess to the provider's consulting services.

A Professional SPP can have all the functionality of the Mid-Level SPPand can also include functionality to gather and process data fromadditional sensors attached to the user's lower body. Lower body sensorscan include ankle, lower leg, and upper leg sensors for each leg. TheProfessional SPP may provide increased access to professional trainers,swing coaches, and the like.

The software ProPacks can be executed by a computing device (e.g., thefirst processor 150 or the second processor 160 [see FIG. 1]), which canexecute the functions illustrated in the figures and described herein.The SPP may allow a user to monitor and play back a recorded event(e.g., a golf swing or a baseball pitch) in real time or slow motion,for example. A user can manipulate an image corresponding to therecorded event in order to view it from any three-dimensional position.The recorded event may correspond to recorded movements of the user orrecorded movements of another person such as, a teammate, an instructor,a trainer, a professional, etc. The user can invoke a reference pointfor comparing his or her data to an existing stored reference (e.g., theuser's or another's recorded events). The user may compare his or hertraining exercise to the stored reference to determine potential forimprovement, for example.

Embodiments of the described invention can also be helpful in theprevention of both serious and minor injury among sports participants.Such injuries may include painful joint, tendon, & muscle injuries, andmore. One advantageous function is to improve performance, training,technique, and confidence. The product may also serve to protect itswearer from the more severe outcomes resulting from incorrect techniquesover time. Injuries caused by poor techniques in athletics are a seriousproblem. Furthermore, recovery rates from injuries caused by impropertechniques are poor and recovery techniques can cause further injury.Recovery techniques can be less valuable than prevention techniques whenmuscle, joint or tendon damage occur. Injuries produced by trauma can bemore related to function than biological structure. Trauma may produce avariety of muscle, electrical & physiological abnormalities.

Embodiments can be used in gaming to track the movements of the body ofa game player. Instead of using a controller that is hand-operated, forexample, a player can move his or her body in a way to control theplayer's character in a game. Information can be transmitted from thesensors on a player to a processor (e.g., an MCU) as described abovewith respect to sports embodiments (e.g., wirelessly).

III. Wireless Communication Systems and Methods

FIG. 14 illustrates an example system 1410 with components that cancommunicate data wirelessly. The illustrated system 1410 is similar tothat described above with respect to FIG. 1B. The system 1410 caninclude a wireless telecommunications device 1412, e.g., a mobiletelephone or a cellular phone (“cell phone”). The wirelesstelecommunications device 1412 can function as the transceiver 140, thefirst processor 150, and/or the second processor 160 of the system 110(see FIG. 1). The wireless communications device 1412 may be adisposable cell phone or a prepaid cell phone. The wirelesstelecommunications device 1412 may be capable of transmitting and/orreceiving electromagnetic signals (e.g., RF signals). The wirelesstelecommunications device 1412 may include a visual display having, forexample, text and/or graphics capabilities. Graphics capabilities caninclude two-dimensional graphics and/or three-dimensional graphics.

The telecommunications device 1412 can include internal data storageand/or one or more internal processors. In some embodiments of thesystem 110, some or all of the processing of the signals from thesensors 140 is performed by the wireless telecommunications device 1412.The wireless telecommunications device 1412 can be used to transmitdata, images, graphics, messages, etc. between the first and secondusers 152 and 162 (see the arrow 116), between either of the processors150, 160 and the users 152, 162 (see the arrows 114, 115), and/orbetween the sensors 130 and the transceiver 140, and/or between thetransceiver 140 and the first processor 150 (see the arrow 112). Manyvariations are possible, and the aforementioned description of thetelecommunications uses of the device 1412 is intended to beillustrative and non-limiting. It is recognized that the wirelesstelecommunications device 1412 can be used for virtually any componentof the system 110 wherein it is desired or feasible to receive,transmit, and/or process data.

In some embodiments the wireless telecommunications device 1412 is, forexample, a conventional cell phone; however, in other embodiments, thedevice 1412 is, for example, a cell phone augmented or enhanced withadditional processor and/or transceiver components that are configuredfor biometric data processing, analysis, data packetizing, transmission,or reception. For example, an expansion slot in a personal digitalassistant or cell phone can be filled with microchips or otherelectronic devices configured to allow collection of body movement data.In some embodiments, the augmented cell phone is delivered to the enduser (e.g., the first or second users 152, 162). In some embodiments,the cell phone is equipped with one or more card slots (e.g., a PCMCIAslot) that are configured for a separate biometric data device thatperforms suitable biometric data analysis, processing, transmission,and/or reception functions. It is preferred, but not necessary, that thebiometric analysis, processing, transmission, and/or reception functionsbe carried out according to an industry standard or protocol so thatbiometric data is readily transportable from and/or between differentdevices 1412 and systems 110.

FIG. 14 shows one example embodiment that illustrates certain featuresof the system 310. In this embodiment, four sensors (e.g., “head,” 1422,“upper back,” 1424, “lower back,” 1426, and “shoe” 1428) are attached tothe user, although fewer or more sensors can be used in otherembodiments. This embodiment is an implementation of a system for a userplaying golf (similar to the system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). In otherembodiments, the sensors can be configured for use with, for example,baseball, softball, swimming, tennis, or another sport or exercise. Inthis embodiment, wireless sensors are used that transmit signals over asuitable wireless network (e.g., Bluetooth, 802.11, RF, etc.). Thesensor signals may be received by a display 1430 (e.g., the interfacebox 153 shown in FIG. 1B). The sensor signals may also be sent to thewireless telecommunications device 1412 (e.g., a cell phone). In someembodiments, a laptop 1440 can be connected (e.g., via a USB cable 1442or internal wiring) to a wireless transmitter 1444 that can communicatewith the display 1430 and/or the sensors 1422-1428. The wireless device1412 (and/or the laptop 1440) can communicate through a wireless network(and/or the internet) 1450 to a remote server 1460, which can beconnected to short-term data storage 1462 and/or long-term data storage1464.

In some embodiments, sensor signals relating to the biometric andbiomechanical movements of the user are transmitted to the wirelesstelecommunications device 1412, through a wireless network, and thenthrough the same and/or a different wireless network, to the server. Theserver is preferably configured to perform processing (e.g., biometricprocessing) of the sensor signals. For example, the server canpreferably convert the sensor output (which in some embodimentscomprises position, orientation, velocity, acceleration, and/or magneticfield data) to a graphics format that illustrates the biomechanicalmotions performed by the user. The biomechanical motions can include,for example, the movement and rotation of the limbs and torso of theuser during an athletic act. In some embodiments, the server processesthe sensor signals so as to generate a graphics output that can be usedby a graphical display to show the position and movements of the user'sbody. In other embodiments, the server can combine the sensor signaldata to generate a performance “fingerprint” as further discussedherein. The server can communicate the graphics output and/or thefingerprint information through the wireless network (and/or theinternet) to the telecommunications device 1412 (and/or the laptop).

In certain embodiments, the telecommunications device 1412 is configuredto display the performance fingerprint or the graphics output so thatthe user can obtain real-time (or near real-time) feedback on his or herathletic performance or other movement. For example, thetelecommunications device 1412 can be configured to display an image,graphic, movie, or video showing, e.g., the user's golf swing. Thetelecommunications device 1412 can also optionally display theperformance fingerprint, and/or other performance metrics to enable theuser to track his or her athletic or rehabilitation progress. Thetelecommunications device 1412 can display instructional information toimprove the user's athletic performance. Many types of information canbe communicated between the server, the telecommunications device 1412,and/or the laptop, and the above examples are intended as non-limitingillustrations of the types of possible information.

In some embodiments, the server 1460 stores the sensor signal dataand/or the graphics output and/or the performance fingerprintinformation in data storage (e.g., short term storage 1462 and/or longterm storage 1464) where it can be retrieved later as needed. In someembodiments, the server is configured to compare the present user datawith prior user data so as to generate a performance metric indicativeof the user's athletic progress. For example, the server may communicate(e.g., through the wireless network 1450) graphics output of a priorgolf swing by the user (or by a professional or an instructor or acoach) to be compared with the present golf swing of the user.

In some embodiments, the data storage comprises short term data storageand long term data storage. For example, certain data may be stored inshort term data storage 1462 for easy retrieval (e.g., the short termstorage may comprise an array of hard disks having fast access times),while other data may be stored in long term data storage 1464 (e.g., anarchival data storage system that may comprise, for example, hard disks,optical disks, magnetic tapes, etc.). The server 1460 in someimplementations is configured to access the data storage to perform datamining operations designed to extract implicit, previously unknown, andpotentially useful information from the data. For example, the server1460 may mine the stored data for correlations among performancefingerprints. After finding a group of users with similar performancefingerprints, the server can communicate this information to, forexample, a coach, an athletic gear manufacturer, or other product orservice provider, which can then efficiently offer suitable productsand/or services to the group.

The stored data can be mined for biometric, biomechanical, medical,performance, and marketing information related to the users of thesystem. Many examples are possible, and the following are intended to benon-limiting. The data may be retrieved for segmentation studies of thetypes of athletes who use the system. The data may be mined formarketing related purposes, such as to gather sell-through data, toobtain customer relationship management (“CRM”) data, to provide bundledproducts and devices having sports content and/or a biometric theme(e.g., a golf phone with golf content cards, ring tones, wallpapersdesigned to match the user's performance fingerprint or other storeddata). The CRM data and the sell-through data can be further mined, forexample, to deliver targeted offers, updates, incentives, rebates,and/or upgrades to selected users.

In some embodiments, the user can communicate with one or more web sitesthat offer content, instruction, products, and/or services related tosports, athletics, exercise, and/or biometric and biomechanicalapplications. The user can access the web site(s) via thetelecommunications device 1412 and/or a computer (e.g., the laptop1440). Data related to the user's web site access (e.g., CRM data and/orsell-through data) can be stored on the data storage system and thentracked and mined. It is recognized that many marketing, advertising,and promotional opportunities are provided by the user performance dataand web site(s) access data that can be stored by the storage device andprocessed or mined by the server.

IV. Biometric and Biomechanical Data Services System

FIG. 15 illustrates further examples and embodiments of a system,including optional combinations of components. Users 1552, such asbaseball or softball players, golfers, runners, and the like, can attachone or more sensors 1531 to portions of their body to collect and/orprocess biometric data. In some embodiments, the users 1552 are examplesof the subject 120 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the users 1552 arealso examples of the first user 152 (FIG. 1). The biometric data can beintercommunicated among some or all of the various components of thesystem as shown by the examples in FIG. 15.

In some embodiments, the biometric data is communicated to one or moredevices 1512 such as, for example, the MCU 141, the interface device153, and/or a wireless telecommunications device 1412 a (e.g., a cellphone). The devices 1512 are examples of the first processor 150 (FIG.1). In some embodiments, the devices 1512 include a storage device 1510such as a flash memory device (e.g., an SD memory card) that can be usedto store the data for transport to another hardware device (e.g., acomputer such as a laptop computer). The device 1512 can also include acomponent that performs biometric data processing or data packaging,transmission, or reception. For example, the processing component may bean add-on or built-in feature of the telecommunications device 1412 a(e.g., a card inserted into a card slot in a cell phone). In someembodiments, the storage device 1510 is combined with one of the otherdevices 1512 so that a wireless or other connection is not necessary.Data can be stored on the storage device 1510 and manually transportedwhen the storage device 1510 is decoupled from a slot in another device(such as a slot in the MCU 141 or the cell phone 1412 a, for example).

With further reference to FIG. 15, biometric data can be communicated toa processor 1514 (e.g., a desktop or laptop computer), which is anexample of the second processor 160 (FIG. 1). In other embodiments,biometric information is additionally (or optionally) communicatedthrough the internet (or a wireless network) 1515 to other processors ordevices. For example, the biometric information can be communicatedthrough the internet 1515 to a learning center 1516 (which may be aweb-based computer system). The learning center 1516 can comprisesprocessors and server computers that also are examples of the secondprocessor 160. The second user 162 can access the biometric informationin the learning center 1516. For example, some examples of the seconduser 162 include the subject 120 (FIG. 1) (which can be the user 1552),the user him or herself 1562 a (which can be the same as the user 1552),a coach or instructor 1562 b, a doctor, physician, sport psychologist,or trainer 1562 c, etc. In various embodiments, the biometric data canbe stored in a storage device 1520 (e.g., stored in a database). In someembodiments, the data is stored in a database 1520 before being madeavailable to a learning center 1516.

In some embodiments, the biometric data can be transferred to a device1518 such as a computer (e.g., a laptop computer) and/or atelecommunications device 1412 d. The device 1518 can communicate thebiometric information to, e.g., the learning center 1516 and/or theusers 1562 a-1562 c, and/or the database 1520 substantially similarly asdescribed above. In this embodiment, either the device 1518, thetelecommunications device 1412 d, or a combination of both can be thefirst processor 150, and can perform some of the functions describedabove with respect to the MCU 141, for example.

In some embodiments, the user 1552 can have a device such as the cellphone 1412 b that performs both the role of the first processor 150—byobtaining data from the sensors 1531 and relaying it to a database 1520and or a web-based learning center 1516—and also allows the user 1552 toaccess the learning center 1516 via the web 1515. For example, a golfercan upload data relating to a golf swing, that data can be processed,and the results can be relayed back to the golfer by way of the screenon the golfer's telecommunications device 1412 b.

In certain embodiments, the user 1552 can utilize a telecommunicationsdevice 1412 b (e.g., a cell phone and/or personal digital assistant) tocommunicate biometric data through a wireless network (and/or theinternet) to the learning center 1516, other telecommunications devices1412 c, other computers, processors, storage devices, etc. In someembodiments, the second user 162 (e.g., another user 1562 a, the coach1562 b, or the doctor 1562 c) can use a telecommunications device 1412 cto communicate with the first user 152 (e.g., the person 1552 engaged inthe athletic activity). The second user 162 can, for example, view thebiometric data from the user 1552 (e.g., at the learning center 1516 oron a computer, or on a display screen of the telecommunications device1412 c), and then can further use the telecommunications device 1412 cto give personalized recommendations, instructions, coaching, and/ordiagnosis to the user 1552.

In some embodiments, the first user 152 (e.g., any of the example users1552 shown in FIG. 15) can communicate with the second user 162 (e.g.,any of the example users 1562 a-1562 c) via the telecommunicationsdevice 1412 b. This communication is preferably a wireless communicationand can include not only the usual voice communication between the firstand second users 152 and 162, but more particularly can include audibleand/or visual communication regarding biometric information (e.g.,graphics or a performance fingerprint) that is displayed on, forexample, the telecommunications devices 1412 b and 1412 c. In thismanner, the second user 162 and the first user 152 can use a pair oftelecommunications devices 1412 b and 1412 c to share biometricinformation, recommendations, and instruction at any suitable timeand/or place. Additionally, in various embodiments, the user 1552 canshare his or her biometric information with other users, friends,teammates, parents, children, etc. via one or more telecommunicationsdevices 1412 a-1412 d. Since the biometric data is stored in the storagedevice 1520 in many embodiments, the users 152 and 162 can retrieve,analyze, compare, process, and discuss biometric information acquired atearlier times and/or places. The various users 152, 162 can examine thecurrent and prior biometric information to, for example, assessperformance improvements and intercompare performances (e.g., betweenusers or between a user and a coach, a professional athlete, etc.).

Accordingly, certain preferred embodiments of the system permit thevarious first and second users 152 and 162 to preserve and sharebiometric data, performance data, graphical views, performancefingerprints, assessment data via any of the devices shown in FIG. 15(e.g., via cell phones, laptop computers, the internet) so as to empowerthe users 152, 162 to feel and stay connected whenever, wherever, andhowever they need to. Embodiments of the system provide a verbal andvisual connection, which allows users to share needs, ideas, andemotions so as to further increase feelings of connection. Users canutilize features of the system to stay genuinely and affirmativelyconnected to performance assessment, coaches, and trainers through theconnectivity provided by embodiments of the present system.

A biometric and biomechanical data services provider (e.g., the providerof the sensors 1531, the operator of a website, the server 1460 (FIG.14), the storage systems (FIGS. 14, 15), and the database 1520) cancollect, store, and mine any of the acquired biometric data for anysuitable instructional, health-related, marketing, promotional,advertising, or business objective. The biometric data can be sharedamong doctors, trainers, and health professionals to develop new methodsto prevent or reduce injury or to help improve recovery from injury. Asis apparent from FIG. 15 (and the other Figures described herein), manytypes of devices and many wired and wireless channels of communicationare possible to share biometric and biomechanical data derived from oneor more sensors 1531 among various users 1552, 1562 a-1562 c, devices1412 a-1412 c, 1510, 1512, 1515, 1518, 1520, learning centers 1516,websites, etc. Many uses are possible and the examples discussed hereinare intended to be illustrative and non-limiting.

V. Wireless Access Management Systems and Methods for Biometric Data

As described above, embodiments of the disclosed system are particularlyadvantageous for sharing biometric data. As used herein, biometric datacan include without limitation biomechanical and biomedical data.Accordingly, it is beneficial to provide a biometric data managementsystem architecture and protocol (“Protocol”) for sharing,communicating, processing, analyzing, and otherwise using biometricdata.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a system and a process forproviding a protocol 1616. In this example, a consortium 1610 comprisingtwo or more members is formed. The central member is a biometric dataservices provider (“BDSP”) 1612. An example BDSP is an entity thatprovides embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein. TheBDSP 1612 may generally be responsible for activities such as, forexample, developing, coordinating, producing, disseminating, andmarketing intellectual property concepts relating generally to biometricdata. For example, the BDSP 1612 may implement the systems and methodsdisclosed herein. The BDSP 1612 may develop sensor technology, and themathematical algorithms and methods for converting sensor data to usablebiometric performance fingerprints and/or graphics. The BDSP 1612 maydevelop communication standards for transmitting and receiving biometricinformation. For example, the BDSP 1612 may develop standards forpacketizing the biometric sensor data so as to efficiently utilizeavailable bandwidth in one or more communications channels, particularlyin wireless communications channels.

In certain embodiments, the BDSP 1612 can develop hardware, firmware,and/or software usable by the components and devices of the system(e.g., any of the devices shown in FIGS. 14 and 15). For example, theBDSP 1612 may develop a hardware card that is insertable into a standardor proprietary slot on a telecommunications device that enables thedevice to be compatible with the Protocol. The BDSP 1612 may developwebsite(s), learning centers (e.g., learning center 1516 in FIG. 15),instructional tools or aids, biometric fingerprint algorithms orformulas, graphical user interfaces, interface devices such as device163, etc.

The consortium 1610 may include one or more other members. In theexample shown in FIG. 16, the consortium further includes a manufacturer1614. The manufacturer may be a telecommunications device manufacturersuch as, for example, a wireless telecommunications device manufacturer.The manufacturer 1614 may have primary responsibility for producing oneor more products or devices that are compatible with the systems andmethods established by the BDSP 1612.

Another member of the consortium 1610 may be a carrier such as, forexample, a telecommunications carrier 1613, and in particular a wirelesstelecommunications carrier. The carrier 1613 may, for example, developtransmission and reception standards that are compatible with thesystems and methods developed by the BDSP 1612. The carrier 1613provides the network (e.g., a wireless network and/or internet) that canbe used to carry user's biometric data among the components of thesystem (see, e.g., FIGS. 14 and 15). The carrier 1613 may also providewebsites, information, advertising, and marketing to provide easieraccess to products developed by the manufacturer and sold to consumers.

Another member of the consortium 1610 can be a distributor such as, forexample, a distributor 1615 of telecommunications devices suitable foruse on the carrier's telecommunications network. The distributor 1615may be the direct access point by which consumers obtain products andservices from the consortium 1610.

The consortium 1610 can include fewer or more members. Furthermore, theconsortium 1610 can include more than one member of a particular class(e.g., more than one carrier 1613). Additionally, the consortium 1610can include different classes than shown in FIG. 16, e.g., wholesale andretail stores, dealers, agents, etc. In some embodiments, the members ofthe consortium 1610 can perform some or all of the tasks describedabove, while in other embodiments the members of the consortium 1610perform different tasks. The tasks may dynamically evolve as theconsortium 1610 acquires new members, information, etc. In someembodiments, the members of the consortium 1610 may share responsibilityfor carrying out the tasks of the consortium. For example, the BDSP 1612may coordinate the development of the Protocol 1616 by the other membersof the consortium 1610. Many variations are possible.

In preferred embodiments, the consortium 1610 will produce a biometricand biomechanical data management system architecture (the protocol1616) that comprises standards, rules, guidelines for the sharing,communication, processing, analysis, and other uses of biometricinformation. The protocol 1616 may reflect a consensus among the membersof the consortium 810 regarding the most technologically efficient waysto share, communicate, and use the biometric data. The protocol 1616 mayinclude compatibility standards to ensure that products and servicesmeet the requirements of the protocol 1616. Compliance with the protocol1616 will ensure that products developed by the consortium 1610 (e.g.,by the manufacturer) are interoperable. In one embodiment, theconsortium 1614 may promulgate a certification mark (or other suitabletrademark or trade dress) for use on protocol-compliant products andservices. In preferred embodiments, the standards of the protocol 1616will be compliant with and generally determined by the systems andmethods provided by the BDSP.

Members of the consortium 1610 generally will agree to provide productsand services that conform to the Protocol 1614. Entities not members ofthe consortium 1610 generally will be precluded from providing productsand services that claim to be protocol compliant, without, for example,paying licensing fees or royalties to the consortium.

The consortium 1610 generally will develop a Protocol-compliant line1618 of products and services including, for example and withoutlimitation, goods, devices, components, hardware, firmware, software,websites, learning or training centers, training, instruction, andtreatment methodologies. The consortium 1610 may develop proprietarytrade secrets relating to the protocol 1614. Additionally, theconsortium 1610 may develop other valuable intellectual propertyrelating to biometric data and its uses. Typically, theprotocol-compliant line 1618 will be marketed and sold to consumers1622. An important group of consumers 1622 include the first and secondusers 152 and 162 of the system 110. However, in other embodiments theprotocol-compliant line 1618 may be sold or marketed to non-members ofthe consortium 1610 for further sales or marketing to wholesalers,retailers, and/or consumers. Many variations are possible.

One embodiment relates generally to providing protocol-compliantwireless technology devices such as, for example, cellular telephones(cell phones). The cell phones may bear a mark (such as a certificationmark) indicating to the consumer 1622 that the cell phone is compliantwith the Protocol 1614 and can be used to share and communicatebiometric data with other Protocol-compliant devices. In one embodiment,the cell phones can be delivered straight to consumers, activated,protocol-compliant, and ready to use. In some embodiments, the cellphones may include internal or external devices or componentsmanufactured by a member of the consortium 1610 so that the cell phonecan reliably and efficiently transmit biometric data over the membercarrier's network. In certain embodiments, the BDSP 1612 markets cellphones to the consumer 1622. The carrier may permit a consumer 1622 tokeep his or her current cell phone number when purchasing aprotocol-compliant cell phone. Some cell phones may includesports-specific content (e.g., a golf or baseball phone with suitablecontent cards, ring tones, and/or wallpapers). In some embodiments, thecell phone is a disposable or prepaid cell phone. When a consumer 1622buys a cell phone from the BDSP 1612 and subscribes to the carrier'stelecommunications network, the BDSP 1612 may retain a fee for providinga customer to the carrier. In other embodiments, the members of theconsortium 1610 may adopt a range of methods for sharing income streams,license fees, royalties, etc. among themselves.

The consortium 1610 may capture and store CRM data and sell-through dataregarding the access, use, and purchase of goods and services onwebsites operated by the consortium 1610 or by its individual members.Data mining operations can examine and extract information andcorrelations between CRM data, sell-through data, and biometric data.For example, the data mining operations may indicate that, for example,golfers having a performance fingerprint within a certain range (e.g.,corresponding to a particular skill level) may preferentially purchasegolf equipment from one or a small group of suppliers. The consortium1610 can provide such information to the suppliers (for a suitable feeor royalty) so that the suppliers can directly market or advertise tosuch golfers. It is apparent that many marketing variations arepossible.

In some embodiments, the consortium 1610 may desire to fulfill some orall of the following objectives: providing Protocol-compliant productsand services to consumers, minimizing cross-shopping within carrierchannels, driving post-sale accessory and content purchases,facilitating analysis of promotional campaigns, building consortium 1610brand equity with consumers 1622, collecting CRM data to facilitatecontinuous marketing dialog/relationship/research, bundling devices withsports specific content, targeting products and services to certainsegments of the consumer market, providing offers, incentives, andrebates to premium customers, or other suitable objectives.

FIG. 16 illustrates one example embodiment of a consortium 1610 thatpromotes a Protocol 1616 and protocol-compliant goods and services 1618to consumers 1622. Many variations are possible, and the illustration inFIG. 16 is intended as one non-limiting example.

VI. Applications for Military and Police Enforcement Entities

Some embodiments are systems with multiple devices (which can be used,for example, by military entities such as dismounted soldiers or bypolice entities such as a SWAT team or by other first responders such asfirefighters, emergency response technicians, etc.). The devices can bedesigned to operate in a local area network so that a group of devicescan be monitored in real time while interacting with each other (e.g.,on the battlefield). A time division multiplex system can be used toallow monitoring of some or all of the devices and communication withindividual units and or groups through the devices. Sensors can beminiaturized, attached to human bodies, and adapted to incorporate atactile feed back system for bi-directional communication of real timegraphics. For this application, sensors can be advantageously low-power.Adding additional sensors can provide additional information formonitoring the stance and/or status of a human: standing, sitting,prone, firing position, injured position, biological/medical vitalsigns, etc. Signals can be transmitted in code or using a modified signlanguage to represent many of the same commands that are used wherevisual communication is used. For example, if a certain arm or fingerposition has a visual meaning between soldiers, that same arm or fingerposition can be used and monitored by sensors even when that signal isnot directly visible to the other soldier.

Sensors can be incorporated into the combat attire of soldiers to allowcollection of individual location and action information. Thatinformation can later be presented to a unit commander, for example.Such information can be useful in showing heroism of a soldier orinvestigating alleged criminal behavior by a soldier, for example. Todemonstrate the technology, a system can be configured to interface withcurrent communication systems. In some advantageous embodiments, adevice that accompanies a soldier is battery-operated and haspower-conservation features. The device's radio interface advantageouslysupports both standard microphone and data interface modes, enabling theuser to select the mode of operation.

In the data mode, the transmitted data can be packetized, coded,multiplexed, or otherwise modulated to minimize the amount of datatransmitted and the length of transmission time, while at the same timereporting the relevant information such as location of the user, bodyposition, vitals, etc. Transmitted data can be sent or broadcast by eachuser (e.g., each soldier, war fighter, law enforcement personnel, etc.),and the data can be stored by the communication system. Data from usersthat are out of range (e.g., if a user's signal is being blocked by astructure or terrain) can be forwarded to another user that is withinthe signal range (and field of view, if line-of-sight methods are used)of both units. In some advantageous embodiments, each user can visiblysee the location (and/or other information) of other users on a displaysystem, which can include security settings to make sure thatinformation is safe. The display system can be hand-held or mounted tobe seen by a user hands-free.

In some embodiments, a unit commander can send and receive commands to agroup or individual users using brevity codes, which provide shortenedcommands without concealing the content of the commands. The brevitycodes can control signaling devices. Signaling devices can includevibration, tactile stimulus, and/or devices that are attached to a mouthtype of teeth retainer that can modulate or vibrate a tooth or jaw. Forexample, a Morse code message or other coded sequence could betransmitted to the signaling device.

A. Mouthpiece Signaling Device

FIG. 17A is a top-view that schematically illustrates a signaling device1710 that can be placed in a user's mouth. In some embodiments, thesignaling device 1710 includes a tooth retainer 1718 much like thoseused to straighten teeth. The retainer 1718 may be configured to snapinto a user's mouth to position a miniature audio and/or tactiletransducer 1742 near, for example, the rear teeth 1715, gum, or jawbone. The retainer 1718 may be attached to the user's upper teeth orlower teeth. In some implementations, retainers 1718 for both the upperand the lower teeth are used. It is advantageous to attach the retainer1718 to the user's upper teeth to provide a substantially free range ofmovement of the user's tongue, which allows the user to speak, eat, anddrink more naturally.

The signaling device 1710 schematically illustrated in FIG. 17acomprises a base 1720 that is attached to the retainer 1718 by one ormore clips 1722. The base 1720 may be shaped so as to conform to theuser's mouth or palate and may advantageously be flexible to be morecomfortable to wear. The base 1720 can be used to support and positionelectronic circuitry within the user's mouth. In some embodiments, thebase 1720 comprises a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) toelectrically connect electronic components of the device 1710. Althoughthe electronic circuits are shown in FIG. 17a as disposed on the base1720, in other embodiments, the circuits are disposed in or on theretainer 1718. Such embodiments beneficially may provide less of animpediment to speech and eating by the user.

The signaling device 1710 can contain microcircuits (e.g., disposed inor on the base 1720) similar to those present in radio frequencyidentification (RFID) technology. Power can be supplied to themicrocircuits by an internal and/or an external power supply. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 17a , the device 1710 comprises amicrocontroller 1730, a signal discriminator 1738, an internal powersource 1734, and an RF antenna 1726, which are disposed on the base1720. The microcontroller 1730 is used to control and coordinate thefunctions and operation of the device 1710. The microcontroller 1730 maybe configured to decode or decrypt coded signals. The power source 1734may include a battery and/or a capacitive storage device, such as asupercapacitor. In some embodiments, the device 1710 utilizes anexternal power source, and the internal power source 1734 is used forbackup and/or standby power needs. In such embodiments, the internalpower source 1734 can be charged by the external power source.

The embodiment of the device 1710 shown in FIG. 17a also includes avibrator or modulator 1742 that provides a tactile stimulus to a portionof the user's mouth. The modulator 1742 may be disposed near the user'steeth, gums, or jawbone. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17a , thedevice 1710 is configured so that the modulator 1742 is disposedadjacent the rear teeth 1715 of the user. The modulator 1742 vibrates inresponse to signals from the microcontroller 1730, and the user detectsthe vibrations in his or her teeth and/or gums. In some embodiments,more than one modulator 1742 is used. For example, the device 1710 mayinclude modulators 1742 disposed on the right and the left sides of theuser's mouth, or the front and the back of the mouth. Multiplemodulators 1742 are advantageously used in applications where signalsfrom different senders are communicated to the user. For example, afirst modulator may indicate signals from a central command post, whilea second modulator may indicate signals from a field command post. Manyvariations are within the contemplation of the present disclosure.

Information such as, e.g., data, commands, and messages, can becommunicated to the signaling device 1710, which is configured tocommunicate this information to the user through one or more modulators1742. For example, the device 1710 can be configured to receive radiofrequency (RF) signals transmitted from an external transmitter,transceiver, or antenna. For example, in one implementation, theexternal transmitter comprises a broom-like microphone device includinga transmitter circuit and a small antenna. The broom-like microphonepicks up voice commands to be transmitted from a sender to the user ofthe device 1710. In various implementations, the microphone andtransmitter are integrated into an existing radio assembly used by thesender, e.g., a unit commander, or are integrated into a head set wornby the sender. The microphone and/or transmitter can be powered by, forexample, a battery pack worn by the sender. In some implementations, thebiomechanical sensors described herein are used to detect body movementsof the sender (or sequences of body movements), for example, handsignals, which are converted into suitably coded signals by a controller(e.g., the MCU of FIG. 1), and then transmitted to the user (e.g., viaan RF signal). In a preferred embodiment, the transmitted informationincludes both voice commands and body movement commands.

The transmitter circuit may transmit signals electromagnetically bymeans of an RF carrier plus a modulated sub-carrier that includes theinformation to be communicated to the user. In some applications, thecarrier is rectified, and electromagnetic energy in the transmittedsignal is used to charge the power source 1734. The antenna 1726 of thedevice 1710 can receive the RF signals transmitted by the RFtransmitter. Information may be transmitted from remote locations viasatellite or other suitable communications link (e.g., a digital RFlink).

The transmitted signal can include information, data, messages,commands, etc., which may be encoded via Morse or brevity codes. Thesignal may be encrypted in some cases. The antenna 1726 receives thetransmitted signal. In applications wherein the signal is transmittedvia an RF carrier and a modulated sub-carrier, the RF carrier typicallyis present during both the transmission and the reception of the signal.The microcontroller 1730 can be used to decode the information carriedby the sub-carrier signal. In some implementations, information istransmitted via the sub-carrier signal at a relatively low rate so thatthe microcontroller 1730 can decode bit sequences suitable forcommunicating minimal command sequences. In certain suchimplementations, data can be sent to the microcontroller 1730 while thetransmit carrier is present, if the microcontroller 1730 is configuredto request the data from the transmitter. In some embodiments, thedevice 1710 includes a transceiver that can be used to establishbi-directional communications. For example, the transceiver can requestdata at a polled rate from one or more sources of transmitted signals.

As depicted in FIG. 17a , the signal received by the antenna 1726 iscommunicated to the signal discriminator 1738, which decodes thereceived signal. For example, the decoded signal may include a binarysequence of “1's” and “0's.” The decoded signal is communicated to themicrocontroller 1730, which can determine the message or commandcontained in the decoded signal (e.g., by processing the binarysequence). In some applications, the information may have beenencrypted, and the microcontroller 1730 may decrypt the receivedinformation.

The microcontroller 1730 is configured to provide a signal to themodulator 1742 in the user's mouth so as to provide a physical sensationcapable of being perceived by the user. The modulator 1742 shown in FIG.17a is a vibrator that vibrates in response to the signal, and thevibrations can be felt by the user's teeth or jawbone, for example. Insome embodiments, the vibration of the teeth is at a frequency (e.g.,1000 Hz) capable of being perceived in the user's inner ear as thevibrations propagate to the inner ear through oral and nasal bonystructures. In some embodiments, the modulator 1742 causes a physicalsensation in the mouth. The type and magnitude of the physical sensationcan depend on the frequency of modulator vibrations. In someembodiments, vibrations can be directional (e.g., a right vibration or aleft vibration). By perceiving the physical sensation, the user candetermine the information transmitted by the sender. In someembodiments, multiple modulators 1742 are used, for example, a modulator1742 on the left side and the right side of the user's mouth. Each suchmodulator 1742 may cause a distinctive physical sensation (e.g., avibration), and the physical sensations may be different for differentmodulators 1742. Multiple modulators 1742 advantageously may be used,for example, to communicate information from multiple transmissionsources (e.g., a central command post and a field command post) or fromdifferent parts of a battlefield.

Signals transmitted to multiple modulators 1742 may indicate to the usera desired or commanded direction of movement (or other action). Forexample, in one implementation, the modulator 1742 provides a physicalsensation to indicate whether the user should move forward, backward,right, or left. Additional or alternative user actions can be indicatedby the modulator 1742 as well, e.g., stand up, lie down, halt, run,return to a base, etc. It will be recognized that many types ofcommands, actions, and movements can be indicated to the user by themodulator 1742.

FIG. 17b schematically illustrates an embodiment of a circuit 1750 thatcan be used with the signaling device 1710. The circuit 1750 comprisesthe antenna 1726, the internal power source 1734 (depicted as acapacitor, e.g., a supercapacitor), the signal discriminator 1738, themicrocontroller 1730, and the modulator 1742. In this embodiment of thecircuit 1750, the antenna 1726 receives a signal transmitted by a sender(e.g., an RF signal). The discriminator 1738 decodes the received signalinto, e.g., a binary sequence. The microcontroller 1730 interprets thebinary sequence as commands, data, or messages to be communicated to themodulator 1742, which causes a sensory effect in the user's mouth inresponse to the commands, data, or messages. The sensory effect isperceivable by the user (e.g., as a vibration in the mouth or as a soundin the ear) and conveys the commands, data, or messages to the wearer.

The systems and devices described in detail above with respect to sportsapplications can also be used for military applications. As describedabove, depending on the number of sensors and types of sensors, a bodylimb can be measured with 3-dimensional representation. Advanced motionsensor devices can measure acceleration, rotation, speed and direction.Biometric sensors can measure heart rate, body temperature, etc. Withmultiple motion sensors, the human body position can be monitored andmeasured, while transmitting the position in real time. For example, thesensors and sensor configurations that can be used to improve a golfswing or baseball form can also be used to indicate that a soldier isstanding, sitting, firing, or in an injured position. This informationcan be displayed on local and/or remote display units in real time andsimulated playback mode. The position or movement of arms, head, legs,etc. can be used to signal and or indicate a response to a command.Thus, a soldier in remote communication with his commander using thissystem can acknowledge receipt of instructions with a silent nod of thehead, detectable by the body movement sensors. The sensor sampled dataat the originating user can be converted to digital data and sent to acentral communication system to be digitally transmitted to the fieldunit commander. In some embodiments, the sensor data can be relayed to aremote command center. In addition to body position, health, etc., thespeed and direction of a user can be reported by including GPScapabilities. Preferably, the system can be used to communicate with auser through coded signaling devices that can instruct the wearer oruser to perform actions without using audio voice transmission.

Certain objects and advantages of the inventions are described herein.It is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects oradvantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment.Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that theinventions may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves oroptimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein withoutnecessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught orsuggested herein. Also, in any method or process disclosed herein, theacts or operations making up the method/process may be performed in anysuitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particulardisclosed sequence.

The foregoing description sets forth various preferred embodiments andother exemplary but non-limiting embodiments of the inventions disclosedherein. The description provides details regarding combinations, modes,and uses of the disclosed inventions. Other variations, combinations,modifications, equivalents, modes, uses, implementations, and/orapplications of the disclosed features and aspects of the embodimentsare also within the scope of this disclosure, including those thatbecome apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading thisspecification. Accordingly, the scope of the inventions disclosed hereinis to be determined according to the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of evaluating a user's body movement,the method comprising: providing a plurality of sensors for associationwith portions of a user's body, including providing at least a singlefirst sensor having a first sampling rate and a single second sensorhaving a second sampling rate; associating a control unit with the user,the control unit being configured to receive data from the plurality ofsensors; configuring a processor to communicate with the control unitand process information related to the movement of the sensors;associating the single first sensor with a first portion of the user'sbody, the first portion being expected to move faster than a secondportion of the user's body during a planned activity for which movementis to be evaluated; associating the single second sensor with the secondportion of the user's body; and configuring the single first sensor toachieve a faster sampling rate than the single second sensor in order toallow sufficient data for evaluating the movement of the first andsecond body portions during the planned activity.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein associating at least the single first sensor with a firstportion of the user's body comprises associating the single first sensorwith an arm or hand.
 3. A method of tracking body motion of a mover, themethod comprising: providing multiple sensors, each of which comprisesat least a multi-axis accelerometer for measurement of three-dimensionalmovement and a gyroscopic sensor for measurement of orientation;associating a single first one of the sensors with a first body portionof a mover and associating a single second one of the sensors with asecond body portion of the mover; determining a sample rate for each ofthe sensors —wherein the sample rate for the single first one of thesensors associated with a faster moving body portion is higher than thesample rate for the single second one of the other sensors associatedwith a slower moving body portion —and causing each sensor to beginsampling at the determined sample rate; using the multiple sensors tocollect biometric data showing movement of the mover's body portionswhen the mover moves; providing a first processor; communicating thebiometric data from the sensors to the first processor; communicatingthe biometric data to a second processor comprising a learning centerconfigured as a web-connected computer system; providing for access by auser to the learning center; displaying a three-dimensional animation ofthe movement of the mover's body portions resulting from the data; andstoring the biometric data in a database for comparison and analysis. 4.The method of claim 3, wherein providing a first processor comprisesproviding a master control unit that accompanies the mover during themovement to be tracked.
 5. The method of claim 3, further comprisingproviding access to the biometric data through a user interface in realtime, wherein real time comprises less than one minute after themovement has occurred.
 6. The method of claim 3 with additional stepsfor tracking body motion of a second mover, the method comprising:providing additional sensors for a second mover, each additional sensorcomprising at least a multi-axis accelerometer for measurement ofthree-dimensional movement and a gyroscopic sensor for measurement oforientation; associating one of the additional sensors with a first bodyportion of the second mover and associating another one of theadditional sensors with a second body portion of the second mover; usingthe multiple sensors to collect biometric data showing movement of thesecond mover's body portions when the second mover moves; communicatingthe biometric data from the additional sensors to a processor; storingthe biometric data of the second mover in the database for comparisonand analysis; and allowing for display and comparison of biometric datafrom multiple movers.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein allowing fordisplay and comparison of biometric data from multiple movers comprisesdisplaying a three-dimensional animation of the biometric datarepresenting movement of one or more of the movers.